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UNDER FIRE

With the

370th Infantry (8th I R G.)

A, E. F.

"Lest You Forget"

Published by
WILLIAM S. BRADDAN

Captain-Chaplain 370th Infantry
Major, 8th III. N. G-

FOREWORD

This book is not intended for general circulation, but for
distribution among the members and friends of Berean, that it
may be preserved for their children who in turn may know of
the part played by this church in the great World War. How
that for two years a loyal church and people carried on, while
their leader and loved ones were fighting "Over There" that
all men might be "Up," not "Some Men Down."

To preserve intact the letters that the pastor wrote during
the lull of battle, or while resting on the march toward the
Rhine, and thus acquaint the folks at home of the hopes and
fears, the joys and sorrows of their sons and husbands, as they
marched toward victory.

We claim no literary genius for this book. It is not written
as a treatise on the war — but a simple narration of facts pertain-
ing to the part played by the men of the 8th (370th) U. S. In-
fantry, composed largely of men from Berean Baptist Church
and Congregation.

We endeavor to show by concrete facts how despite the
hardships and handicap of prejudice these men emerged
from the World's great battle fields of Europe the most deco-
rated Regiment in the A. E. F.

Hence in reading the following pages look not to find
aught save the plain unvarnished story of the dangers through
which we successfully passed — the hardships we endured, and
our ultimate victory.

In Loving and Grateful Memory of a faithful, brave and
patient Wife and Children who consented, and wished me God-
speed and a safe return when I bade them good-by. A Loyal
and Patriotic Church and Congregation that carried on for two
years without a word of complaint during their Pastor's enforced
absence "Over There," and who welcomed his return with
open arms, girded themselves afresh and with greater zeal than
ever set themselves to the task of completing their church
edifice. To the Bravest of the Brave; Men of the Old 8th 111.
rechristened the 370th Inf., A. E. F. To this splendid Triumvirate
is this Little Book Lovingly dedicated, by

W. S. Braddan,
Twenty-Seven Years
Pastor of Berean Baptist Church

Chicago, 111.
Captain and Chaplain
370th Inf., A. E. F.

NATIONAL GUARD, STATE OF ILLINOIS

OATH OF OFFICE
I, William S Braddan, having been appointed a Capt. and

Chaplain in the NATIONAL GUARD of the UNITED STATES

and of the State of Illinois, do solemnly swear that I will support
and defend the Constitution of the United States and
the Constitution of the State of Illinois, against all
enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same; that I will obey the orders of the
President of the United States and of the Governor of the State
of Illinois; that I make this obligation freely, without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and
faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Capt. and Chaplain
in the National Guard of the United States and of the State of
Illinois, upon which I am about to enter: So help me God.

William S. Braddan
Capt. and Chaplain, 8th Illinois

Captain-Chaplain William S. Braddan
370th Infantry— Major 8th 111. N. G.

Contribution of a Patriotic Church to Her Nation's

Call for Men
BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH

W. S. BRADDAN, Minister
5149 Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois

Called to the Colors with the 8th Illinois Infantry, N. G.
For Border Service, June 19, 1916, Camp Wilson, Texas

CAPTAIN AND CHAPLAIN BRADDAN, W. S.

2nd LIEUTENANT WARFIELD, W. J., Co. M.

SERGEANT THOMAS, W. N., FIELD HOSPITAL

SERGEANT BRADSHAW, C. D. L., Co. B.

SERGEANT HART, A; C., Co. B.

SERGEANT WHEELER, Co. A.

CORPORAL NEWMAN, R. W. Co. D.

CORPORAL SLATER, M., Co. B.

CORPORAL HELEM, R., Co. C.

PRIVATE TRUEHART, G., HEADQUARTERS Co.

Called to the Colors with the 8th Illinois Infantry, N. G.
Attached to the 33rd Division, 65th Brigade, July 25, 1917

Camp Logan, Texas

CAPTAIN AND CHAPLAIN BRADDAN, W. S.

2nd LIEUTENANT WARFIELD, W. J., Co. M.

SERGEANT JOHNSON, H., Co. E.

CORPORAL PELKEY, D., Co. F.

CORPORAL WHITE, W., Co. G.

CORPORAL WEBSTER, N., Co. C.

CORPORAL SLATER, M., Co. G.

CORPORAL NEWMAN, R. W., Co. E.

CORPORAL HELEM, R., Co. C.

CORPORAL PAGE, W., Co. F.

PRIVATE BURROWS, W., Co. C.

MEMBER SLOAN, HARRY, NAVAL RESERVE

1ST. CLASS PRIVATE ... GEORGE, A., HEADQUARTER'S Co.

1ST. CLASS PRIVATE HARRIS, D., Co. F.

PRIVATE BOWLIN, R., Co. D.

PRIVATE BASSEL, L., HEADQUARTER'S Co.

PRIVATE ....TOWLES, O., HEADQUARTER'S Co.

PRIVATE HENDERSON, R., SUPPLY Co.

PRIVATE HENRY, N., MACHINE GUN Co.

PRIVATE GREENLEY, H., BAND

PRIVATE TRUEHART, G., HEADQUARTERS Co.

PRIVATE BASS, C, Co. C.

PRIVATE .... McDOUGAL, L. G., HOSPITAL CORPS

Colonel F. A. Dennison, 370th Infantry,
The Only Race Colonel in the A. E. F.

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. Johnson,
370th Infantry, Deceased.

Captain J. H. Patton, 370th Infantry
Lieutenant Colonel 8th 111. N. G.

A Group of Brave Officers of the 370th (8th 111. N. G.) Infantry

Official Board of Berean Baptist <

h, 52nd and Dearborn Sts., Chicago

Colonel Otis B. Duncan, 8th 111. N. G.

Lieutenant Colonel of the 370th Infantry

"The Noblest Roman of Them AH''

These are the Officers ivho lead the 370th
[8th I. N. G.], to Victory.

ROSTER OF OFFICERS of 370th INFANTRY
(8th I. N. G.)

COLONEL :
Franklin A. Denison

LIEUTENANT COLONELS :
Otis B. Duncan James H. Johnson

MAJORS:

Charles L. Hunt James R. White

W. H. Roberts Arthur Williams

Rufus M. Stokes

CAPTAINS :

Stuart Alexander Lewis E. Johnson

George M. Allen Leonard W. Lewis

Pusey D. Arnett William H. Lewis

Stewart A. Betts Joseph L. Morgan

William S. Braddan J lines S. Xelson

Horace G. Burke Arthur C. Newman

William B. Crawford John H. Patton

Spencer C. Dickerson Benjamin E. Pickney

James E. Dunjill John T. Prout

Charles W. Fillmore Rufus Reed

Samuel R. Gwynne Chester Sanders

James C. Hall Lorin O. San ford

Ivan C. Harper Kdward W. Spearman

Clinton L. Hill James H. Smith

Clement N. Hinton Devere J. Warner

Lilburn Jackson Lloyd G. Wheeler
Matthew Jackson

FIRST LIEUTENANTS:

Harry L. Allen Gerald C. Bunn

Blaine G. Alston Justin E. Carter

George L. Amos Robert L. Chavis

William Andrews John T. demons

George W. Antoine Binga Dismond

Rufus H. Bacote Augustus M. Fisher

Claudius Ballard Norman Garrett

Frank P. Bass Samuel S. Gordon

Frank W. Bates Durand Hardinpr

Benjamin D. Boyd Terome L. Hubert

Howard R. M. Brown Robert P. Hurd

Michael H. Browning Joshua James

Osceola A. Browning Harvey E. Johnson

Arthur H. Jones
Harry W. Jones
George C. Lacy
Elisha C. Lane
James F. Lawson
Benote H. Lee
Adlon L. Logan
Elmer Maxwell
Gough D. McDaniels
John L. McDonald
Franklin McFarland
Samuel A. McGowan
Dan M. Moore
George Murphy
Harry Murphy
William Nichols

FIRST LIEUTENANTS :

William C. P. Phillips
Samuel L. Ransom
James A. Riggs
Frank Robinson
Napoleon B. Roe
Robert A. J. Shaw
Harry N. Shelton
Orville R. Smith
Park Tancil
Louis C. Washington
William J. Warfield
Robert A. Wrard
Carter A. Wesley
Joseph R. Wheeler
Harry Wheeler
Warren W. Williams

SECOND

Walter H. Aiken
Rufus A. Atkins
James T. Baker
John S. Banks
William A. Barnett
Howard F. Bell
Marcus A. Bernard
Robert A. D. Birchett
Samuel A. Black
Clarence H. Bouchane
Benjamin A. Browning
Charles E. Bryant
Henry H. Carr
Floyd Chavis
Henry C. P. Cheatham
Horace E. Colley
Ira R. Collins
Charles H. Conley
Frank Corbin
Bernie B. Cowan
Flenoid Cunningham
Frank P. Dawson
Oswald C. Des Verney
Samuel A. Dillard
Clyde W. Donaldson
Edward Douglas
Harry G. Douglas
Max Evers
George L. Giles
Edward L. Goodlett
John A. Hall
Reginald W. Harang
John W. Harris
Luther J. Harris
Larkland F. Hewitt
Irving T. Howe

LIEUTENANTS :

Charles C. Jackson
Isom Jackson
Rufus B. Jackson
Fred K. Johnson
Alvin M. Jordan
Homer O. Kelley
LeRoy J. Knox
Harry M. Lias
Frank T. Logan
Bernard McGwin
Way man Moss
Elmer J. Myers
Stanley B. Norvell
Thomas A. Painter
Albert C. Parker
James H. Peyton
Lawson Price
George F. Proctor
Eugene Ragland
Julian D. Rainey
D. Lincoln Reid
Hugh W. Schuck
Noble Sissle
Frederick L. Slade
M. F. Stapleton
Willis Stearles
Harvey J. Taylor
Roy B. Tisdell
Wycham L. Tyler
Junius Walthall
Edmond G. White
Clarence Willette
Albert H. Williams
Avon H. Williams
Elias F. E. Williams

CHAPTER I

"Taisez-Vous; L'Allemand Ecoute"

)HE one ubiquitous sign throughout France in those days
of uncertainties and war, the one sign that confronted
you by day and night, in public and private places, in
tram cars, in theatres, cafes, hotels, in churches and
on the streets, the one sign which like Banquo's ghost
would not down was "Taisez-vous; L' Allemand
Ecoute," — keep your mouth shut, don't talk about the Army,
the Sociological or Economic Conditions. "Taisez-vous," —
Don't talk about anything pertaining to the locality of the Army
or Navy, their losses or gains. In other words, "Be Dumb."

Just how well the French men and women, boys and girls,
followed this warning can be attested by a million of men who
have been over there. In the early days of our arrival we asked
a thousand different questions of those splendid people, per-
taining to location of places, food, public gatherings, their losses
and man power, but to all questions thus asked we received but
one answer "Je ne ce pas," — "I do not know," and that helped
win the war.

The A. E. F. were schooled in this same precaution and
religiously followed it; our public press and loved ones insisted
that we were too secretive. But experience had long since
taught those most vitally concerned that Germany's eyes ran to
and fro, up and down the earth, and her ears were ready listeners
for any and every thing that might serve as a peg upon which to
hang Prussian Victory. Hence we too in common with our
French co-patriot observed the spirit and letter of the sign re-
ferred to, "Taisez-vous."

But now that Grim-Visaged War has smoothed his wrinkled
front; and all our stern alarms in the deep bosom of ocean
buried ; now that our bruised arms are hung up for monuments,
and the Winter of our discontent made glorious by victory, 'tis
no longer necessary to keep our mouth shut nor to remain silent
but to the contrary 'tis but to be expected that we, who have
passed through these fires, now cast a glance in retrospect
and recount the varied experiences, the dangers through which
we passed, the hairbreadth escapes, the enemy's deadly breach,
that our minds hark back and recount our hopes and fears, and
how that slowly but surely we surmounted all difficulties and
prejudice one by one and rested neither day or night until we
had achieved a splendid victory; rammed the lie down the

The Sky Pilot of the 370th Infantry

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

throat of our traducers and villifiers; carved our name in the
hard granite of fame and made the very ones who one short year
before had declared that Negroes would not stand up under
the strain, rigors and hardships of modern warfare to say,
"They are the most splendid fighting units in France," — where
fought the flower of the European Army.

That in one short year this raw product of commercial,
peace-loving America, America who had denied her Negro
population military training, who had purposely with cunning
design, refused to send her sable sons to West Point, and in not
a few sections refused to arm them with aught save wooden guns
fpr drilling and discipline.

That these Americans in one year could be licked into
fighting trim and to such a degree of efficiency that they were
the marvel of France — where fought the flower of the World's
Soldiery — and to win, by reason of their heroism more citations
and decorations than any single unit in the A. E. F., that this
could be and was accomplished is a most splendid tribute to
their patriotism, loyalty and an attestation to the fact that they
are worthy sons of their noble sires: Crispus Attucks, the first
to fall in the American Revolution of 1776; Sgt. Carney of
Fort Wagner in 1863; Sgt. Berry of Santiago in 1898; the
Heroes of El Caney in 1916.

The path to the splendid achievements of the men of the
Old 8th 111., rechristened 370th Infantry, led not over rose
strewn paths of ease and splendor nor 'neath vine-embowered
gardens of plaudits and encouragement but to the contrary we
were met on all sides with harsh criticism and were demanded
to make brick without straw, yet our product must be as good
as that produced by the other fellow who was blessed by having
everything necessary, i. e., encouragement and the knowledge
that he is really part and parcel of the greatest Republic in the
world and that Democracy for which he was to fight Over There
would not be denied him upon his return Over Here.

Our first humiliation was in regard to our training camp.
By all the laws of the Medes and Persians our training camp
should have been with the soldiers sent from Illinois, the 33rd
Division who had been ordered to Camp Logan, Texas; but it so
happened that Texas, the hotbed of Colorphobia and Prejudice and
alack, alack, the birthplace of the writer, was in a state of
frenzy as a result of the unfortunate riot between some white
"nigger-hating" police officers and undisciplined members of

"Taisez-Vous ; L' Allemand Ecoute"

the 24th Infantry stationed at Camp Logan, some five miles
from the heart of Houston.

The result was that much to our humiliation and chagrin,
to our loss in training and discipline in preparation to our en-
trance into the world's great conflict, we were kept marking
time at our Armory at 35th and Forest Ave., Chicago, from
July 25th until October 12th while all Texas swore by all the
Gods at one time that she would not stand for any Negro
soldiers, other than those mustered in her own state, training
within her borders. For a while it seemed that Texas was run-
ning the War Department and would add another pearl (?)
to her necklace of humiliation and hate of the loyal, law-abiding
race, by refusing to permit the Pride of the Ten Million Amer-
ican Negroes, the "8th Illinois," to train where trained Illinois'
first contribution to the cause of Democracy. 'Twas sad, 'twas
passing sad, 'twas wonderfully, 'twas wonderfully pitiful to see
those men, the flower of a Race that had never been accused of
treachery or cowardice, whose ancestors made the rice swamps
of Louisiana productive, who made the South to evolve from a
wilderness and desert, to blossom like a rose, whose fathers had
fought, bled and died upon a hundred battle fields over here,
and in dying expressed but one regret, i. e., that they had but
one life to give for their country, to see their sons now held in
leash by the prejudice of the same race for whom they had hewn
wood, drawn water, tilled the soil and fought battles for
two hundred years, 'twas heart-breaking, nerve-wrecking and
foreign to proper Military Discipline.

But while our Race was wondering as to the ultimate out-
come and our loved ones were smarting under the sting of the
Government's delay, these men of the "8th" under the leader-
ship of Col. F. A. Dennison and his splendid staff of officers,
men who were every inch soldiers and disciplinarians, were being
whipped into shape by drilling in the narrow streets and con-
fines of their Armory and resolving by day and night that they
would make good in spite of the handicap, that they would sur-
prise the military world by reason of their military efficiency and
go to Europe and return with honor, or not return at all.

Be it said to the credit of the cool heads in Texas that right
and justice finally prevailed, the "8th" ultimately received her
moving orders to proceed to Camp Logan, Texas, and believe
me it was a great, great day for the Negro of Illinois and the
United States and a splendid tribute to our Governor F. O.
Lowden, Adjt. Gen. F. Dickerson and to the justice of the home

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

of our martyred President Lincoln, whose slogan was "Illinois
stands behind her Citizens and Soldiers, for patriotism knows
no Race nor Creed, no Black nor White. Tis not judged by the
texture of hair but by Blood, real Blood."

The day of our departure, October 12, 1917, will always
be memorable to every one who took up the first leg of the
march that led up to our going "over there" and to those we
left behind to keep the home fires burning until we returned.
Alas, however, some were to keep the fires burning in vain.

The entire populace turned out to wish us "good-by,
God bless and keep you and a safe and speedy return," as we
swung out of Forest Avenue into 35th Street to the sweet strains
of the martial music of one of the greatest bands in the U. S. A.
The journey was uneventful save that we were the center of
curiosity, for in every village, city and town through which we
passed, we were greeted with the query "Where are the White
Officers?" "There's not a one in the Regiment" was our proud
reply; would to God we could have said as much upon our
return. But the reason why we couldn't say so will be told in
subsequent chapters.

CHAPTER II

Good-by Chicago; Hello Houston!

(In this opening chapter permit me to quote in full The Pullman
Porters' Review relative to our departure.)

The 8th Illinois Infantry entrained for Houston, Texas, with
colors of The Daily News costing $1,000 floating to the breezes
of success, and glory enough for us all, Friday, October 1 2,
1917, in the midst of a great demonstration, one never before
seen in all of this city's history.

These words, "May The Lord watch between me and thee,
when we are absent one from another," will be remembered by
many of the boys of the 8th with deeper interest and fuller
meaning than ever before, for no matter where they may be sent,
they cannot escape the thought of this blessed prayer, con-
stituting the sacred words of the Mizpah benediction, which is
the universal request of the Christian church and the very last
appeal of every native as well as every true patriotic American.
Most of them have had oft repeated in their hearing and have

19 »

Good-By Chicago; Hello Houston

likewise in unison given expression to them, and the Review
wishes to convey to them that this shall be the prayer of the
many Christian institutions of this city, while they are absent
from us. Now since through the columns of the Review you
have been reminded of this fact, may it become more so, a
prayer to you of greatest moment.

As we stood in the presence of that vast throng and con-
course of human beings, relatives, friends and comrades passing
in review, along the line of march en route to be trained, we
were solemnly impressed with the visionary sight of all that
our observations had conveyed to our intelligence. As we
looked into the face of that gallant commander tramping, tramp-
ing, with his boys on foot, with the solemn tread of a lion, with
that sturdy poise of a brave leader, bright eyes noting his keen
conception of what was going on, carrying also that determined
look, which spells defeat for any foe who faces his regiment,
leading them as one in common among them, he neither turned
to the left nor right, but with voice in moderation directing his
well trained staff, carrying out his every command without a
hitch, everything moving in unison like one gigantic piece of
machinery; it was then we realized that Colonel Franklin A.
Dennison was master of the situation, that he had baffled all of
his personal enemies and had by the aid of his government put
the secret plotters and regimental destroyers of this, the pride
of the Negroes of America, to flight, and had cemented and
knitted together a military unit worthy of its name and our
country's honor.

Following him came in close formation his chief of staff,
Capt. Adjutant John Patton, Lieut. Harry Jones, his orderly and
others. Next our fighting chaplain, Rev. Wm. S. Braddan,
pastor of the Berean Baptist Church, a minister, soldier, and a
man, born in a soldier's wagon on the western frontier, while
the military train was at rest, his father being in company of the
famous 1 Oth cavalry of U. S. A., and his dear mother was
making the hike with him. As we looked into his face we also
seemed to think that his lips were moving in adoration to his
God, inwardly giving expression to the words of David, the
sweet psalmist of Israel, and her mighty warrior, as he marched
with the weight of the religious responsibility of every soul in
this number, we believe that silently he was giving thought
to these beloved sayings: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not
want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth
me besides the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff
they comfort me. Thou prepares! a table for me in the presence
of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup run-
neth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, for
ever." Following him came the 8th regiment band under the
direction of that noted band leader, loved and adored by all
musical lovers of this wonderful city, George Duff. When the
first note was sounded as they marched out of their armory on
35th Street, you could hear a shout go up from the throats of
those who had been patiently waiting for the start in the chilly
wind for hours, sufficiently strong to awake the remotest
dead from their silent slumber. Their incessant playing stirred
the souls, revived their spirits, if indeed any of them needed
reviving, and made them understand for a truth that better
relationship between them and their government. They, too,
showed upon their face that there was not a man in their entire
ranks who was not willing to spend and be spent for our flag and
for the offensive or defensive success of this nation. Now comes
Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, the man of the hour, the little military
wizard of the regiment, every inch a trained soldier, looking as
if he was carrying the weight of a thousand years upon his
shoulders, because of his strategic mind, but rounded shoulders,
well able to bear whatever responsibility may be placed upon
him. Then in their order companies A, B, C, D, E, F, and H,
each with their captains in command, the machine gun company,
the hospital corps. As we noted the first battalion, commanded
by Major Stokes, was minus their leader, we remembered that
he was in service of training somewhere else for the time being.
Then we took note of the walking disciplinarian of the regiment,
commanding the second battalion, he, too, tramping afoot ready
to do his bit in the way of giving efficient military instruction
to the men in his command.

Mothers of the 8th, don't be worried
About the future of your sons;

Just keep your hands in God's hands

And the battle shall be won.

You should not be surprised about the efficiency of this
regiment when we tell you that nearly every officer has seen
service, either upon the frontier, the Mexican border, in the
Philippine Islands, or in the Island of Cuba, and because of

Good- By Chicago; Hello Houston

this service were able to take a large number of green men
and in a few months whip them into efficient soldiers. With
such material as this in the making of this body of sensible men
how can they fail, so embued with our national spirit? they,
too, give expression to their sentiments in these words, when
they say:

"How can we fail, when so many prayers go up to him

for us daily and tomorrow;
He who would think different is but small, as well as

narrow;

We know that He watches over us as He watches over
the sparrow."

Never was a regiment in the National Guards or the United
States Army given higher honors nor had paid to it a greater
tribute of respect upon its departure for their camp than the
8th Infantry Regiment of Illinois. A citizen's committee had
arranged and carried out its plans of escort. The only lieu-
tenant of police of color in the world, Lieutenant Childs, paved
the way with his baton in position of salute, led the procession,
followed by nearly one hundred colored police officers in their
tailormade regular police uniforms, stepping to the martial
music like so many trained soldiers, a beautiful sight to behold.
The 8th Illinois Infantry entrained for Houston, Texas, by the
glorious salute of a hundred thousand voices of our most patrio-
tic citizenry, redoubled with the waving of flags and handker-
chiefs out of windows all along the route from the army to
where the puff of the smoke from the engines which were wait-
ing to carry them to their destination stood.

The following message the Review conveys to those of
their parents who could not make the train and for good rea-
sons were not able to see them off as they really desired, which
are words of comfort and good cheer:

"Tell Father, Mother, Wife, and Sister too,
Dear Mister Editor of the Review,
Have faith in God, and don't be blue,
He has never lost a battle, 'tis true;
For they who put their trust in Him,
Shall n'er be con-founded-ed,
If we His wisdom rightly use,
Will interest draw compounded."

This vast demonstration did not permit the relatives and
friends of these boys to feel otherwise than pleasant and happy.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.). A. E. F.

For very little sorrow was here displayed by those who witnessed
this scene. Everybody seemed to think and feel it to be no
mean honor thrust upon their country by her enemies, to have
their husbands, brothers, sons and sweethearts called to such
impending duty, so signally honored by the president of this
nation, the secretary of war, and the governor of our state. Very
few persons know that the 8th Illinois Infantry is made up of
some of the best material and the finest qualities taken from the
strongest elemental parts of the colored people of this city; yes,
the noblest youth in our land who are members and are proud
of it. There are but few in the entire regiment who have not
a trade, and right here let us say that you can find a man
thoroughly qualified and perfectly competent to perform most
any kind of duty commanded by his superiors or his government
to perform, it matters not how hazardous or difficult it may be,
from acting as hospital attendants, giving professional services,
to the sending of dispatches, to the engineering feats of a civil
engineer, to the stretching of electric wires for signal service,
to the invention of those things which will enable him to help this
nation to defeat the most astute enemy, no matter how strong
she may be, or how skilled technically, the world's most famous
football players, the mighty little Hyde Park wonder, the once
comrade of the mighty Eckersell, Sam Ransom. You will also
find here draftsmen, map-makers, painters, designers, chemists,
lawyers, physicians, clerks, accountants, horseshoers, black-
smiths, strategists, statisticians, machinists, chauffeurs, mechanics,
in fact this regiment is a military organization of brains, a mili-
tary unit of rare qualities, for this we are most proud.

For over two and one-half miles, extending over a vast
territory running from 35th and Forest Avenue, west on 35th
to State, north on State to 33rd, thence west on 33rd from
State to Butler, where they entrained with the most joyous shout
and enchanting tunes by that unbroken chain of human beings
bidding the boys a hearty good cheer, lifting their spirits as they
climbed into the cars which were to take them to their desti-
nation.

The writer hastily went ahead of the crowd to get a good
picture of this mighty scene, and then, after the last man had
passed us, we ran ahead for some distance and marched all
the way beside our eldest son, who had his pack, with the rest
of the parents' boys. The band was playing as it never played
before, its music was sweet and enchanting, it was all inspiring.
We did not know that we were marching, we felt just like we

Good-By Chicago; Hello Houston

were floating softly in the musical breezes which wafted upon
the zephyrs of this afternoon with the fantasy of a fairy queen.
We finally reached Butler street, here mothers, fathers, wives,
sisters, daughters, sons, children and babies, bade them adieu,
with the hope for their safe return, as they went, with more
enthusiasm than was ever witnessed by any regiment, white or
black. Long before the hour of their departure all available
space in the armory was occupied by friends, members of the
various fraternities, social clubs and churches proving that they
meant to be their mother of adoption in truth and in deed, and
to tell them that not a man of this wonderful military organiza-
tion would want for a friend in his absence, nor be at a loss for
some one to communicate with while at the front. The boys
of the Eighth were no less impressed by such a splendid demon-
stration, likewise the Colonel, his staff and the Commission
officers. They felt it very keenly and with a will they im-
pressed us also, that they were no less willing to face the great
responsibility resting upon each and every man's shoulder of
this unit, which tells its own story. Their determined spirit,
bright eyes and earnest look, as well as a most pleasing smile,
answered this vast reception of our citizens and their friends,
by the statement, "We will make good. . Pray for us." The like
of this day, we fear the Colored people will never see again.
We may see its equal, maybe, but we hardly think so. This was
the day of days for the 8th regiment, the day when the streets
as well as the armory were filled and that, too, to overflowing,
and when they moved out by command it required veteran
officers to keep the way opened so that passing vehicles could
pass in their usual way, without being blockaded by the mighty
throng of pedestrians. Intermingling here, we could see the
boys carrying their packs upon their backs ready for the fray.
The people present had so much respect for them they at all
times gave them the right of way. This event presented to the
human eye the most inspiring, picture, the most forceful argument
against the fallacy of the false prophet, who knew that the
Eighth would go no place but here. It made everybody feel
willing "to do their bit" when called upon by the Government
in this crisis. And now permit us to say this, if the Eighth has
done nothing else, and if it had never gone to the front, it has
done more in the last two months, while stationed here, in thrill-
ing the Colored people of this city with national respect and
undaunted patriotism than any other instruments, which might
have been used in bringing about the good done by their training

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

in the presence of this people, white and black, alike, have done.
That you may more clearly understand us by the above state-
ment, let us call your attention to the wonderful lessons of the
daily retreat. When the performance of this august military duty
was performed, but few persons of color, or white, either, for
that matter, had sufficient training along these lines to understand
the great significance of the occasion. When the band began
to play the "Star Spangled Banner" but very few would raise
their hats or uncover their heads, or salute the flag, but when
that last retreat upon Thurday, October 11, 1917, in the
Armory was conducted, not a man in that vast audience but
what did show his greatest respect by saluting the stars and
stripes, the flag of his country. Members of the Eighth, you
have our best wishes for success, and our most ardent prayers
for your safe return. Good luck, and a pleasant journey.

CHAPTER III

Houston, Texas.

At 3 A. M., October 18, the train bearing the contingent of
the "8th" from Chicago was shuttled into Camp Logan, the Third
Battalion under Major Otis B. Duncan having preceded us by
two days.

Headquarters of Col. F. A. Dennison, at Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas

Of course everyone was anxious to see what kind of a dump
Camp Logan really was. Well it wasn't much to look at — the
conventional building of slab boards made into long buildings
for warehouses, cook and dining halls, the prescribed conical
tents of drab. By ten A. M. we had detrained and marched from
the spur to our camp, and believe me it was some camp, a swamp
with trees that had stood the fretting of many winters. How to
convert this swamp land and forest into a drill field to accom-
modate three thousand soldiers was the problem that confronted
our Commanding Officer and men. How they solved it is best
explained by telling you that within a month after we arrived it
was conceded that the "370th" had the best drill ground and
camp of any regiment in Logan. How did they do it? Ask
Major Chas. Hunt, that splendid officer and soldier who was
double crossed by that lantern jawed coward Roberts who took
command of the regiment July 12, 1 9 1 8 at Rarecourt, France.

Preparing camp at Camp Logan, Texas, by uprooting mon-
ster trees that had stood as grim sentinels for ages, was de-
volved upon Captain Chas. Hunt, afterward promoted to Major
only to be demoted by Roberts (now deceased), who was ap-
pointed in command of the regiment in France.

Clearing a Path for Democracy

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

REV. BRADDAN TAKES FLING AT THE OUTLOOK
MAGAZINE

(Answering the Outlook's Prejudiced Article of March 13, 1918,
as we stood upon the threshold of war, was one of the first tasks of the
Chaplain of the 370th Infantry.)

I tire greatly of the abortive effort of a certain class of
\vhite men, who in these times of world conflict would so far
forget the tremendous responsibility of the United States to co-
ordinate her efforts and man power to form a scourge with
which to whip the Huns into the line of common decency, to
say nothing of democracy.

But instead of abandoning themselves to this supreme task
there is a large class of "Bevo" officers whose views the writer
of the Outlook of March 1 3 but voices in the article, "Mobilizing
Rastus;" their chief thought is, how may we discredit and dis-
courage the Negro's ability as a leader of men and officer in the
great world war now raging. Well, it just can't be done, my
young "Bevo" lieutenant; better devote your energy to the study
of the control of fire and care of soldiers in the field, for it will
do you more good in the trying days to come than will your
efforts to discredit the power of the Negro officers in this great
national struggle, for a very large percentage of the men that you
slur were leading men and receiving their baptism of fire long
before you were born and will be leading men when you are
dead.

In my twenty odd years of military experience I have served
under white officers in the 1 Oth cavalry and under Negro officers
in the 8th infantry, and I am free to confess that I have followed,
with greater pride and fearlessness, the leadership of my Race
officers than I did that of white ones. And this in view of the fact
that in those days white officers led with gallantry and loved the
soliders of ebony hue. These same soldiers, thus lovingly led
and taught in the hard school of experience, are men now
officering bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh, and it ill
becomes any second lieutenant in the army, whose only ability
is with the pen of ridicule or a periodical of the recognized stand-
ing of the Outlook, with its much loved and venerated Lyman
Abbott, one after whom I have read, and to whom I have
listened with great profit, to stoop so low as to try and discredit
the valor of men of my Race in general, the Negro race in par-
ticular, who have gladly placed their bodies on their nation's
altar for service or slaughter.

Houston, Texas

The best refutation of the inane article by the youthful,
inexperienced and prejudiced second lieutenant of questionable
ability is found in the "Nonpareil" 8th, now the 370th Illinois
infantry. There is not a white officer in the regiment and I refer
to army records 'to find an organization better disciplined, more
patriotic, more loyal or more untiring in their efforts to make
good, more healthy and neater.

To the young second lieutenants I would say: "Repair your
breath and pen, good youth lest it come to ruinous waste;
consult the files of the adjutant general's office, if you know what
that is and where to find it, and how to obtain the necessary
data, before you try to traduce your superiors in courage, dis-
cipline and ability to lead men into the "valley of death and
into the jaws of hell." Until then read, study, learn, forget your
prejudice and remember the country's need.

Hoping to meet you over there on the firing line and praying
for an opportunity to come to your assistance leading the same
despised troops,

CAPT. WM. S. BRADDAN,
Chaplain, 370th Inf., U. S. N. G.

Hardly had we arrived at our Training Camp before we
were impressed with the fact that it was up to us to
make good by converting the whites of Houston from hate to
love, to make a people who regarded the regiment as a bunch
of lawless men, to realize that we would wade through the fires
of Hell to gain and hold for our race a large place in the sun;
and to dispel all doubts (if any really existed) relative to our
loyalty, discipline and patriotism.

The first weeks were hard weeks of discipline and work,
clearing the woods of mammoth trees, filling in low lands; dig-
ging ditches, and adjusting ourselves to new conditions incident
to going across.

Houston had her first opportunity to view the "8th" and
pass critical judgment upon the black boys from Illinois in early
November for a divisional parade was requested by the Hous-
tonians and consented to by General Todd, then Senior Officer
in Command, General Bell, Commanding General, being in
France studying conditions incident to leading his division over
there.

The big question was, "Will the '8th* parade with the
Division?" There was no just reason why they should or should

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. K. F.

not as we were only the tail of the kite attached to the Division.
It was up to General Todd, one of the squarest generals that
ever wore a star, one hundred per cent American, a soldier,
officer, an unprejudiced gentleman who answered the question
by saying the "8th" is part of Illinois' contribution to the mobile
army designated to go over there, see all the Division or none.

Then began the preparation incident to the parade, for any
one who knows Colonel Dennison will tell you of his zeal to
make the best impression with his regiment on every occasion;
this could only be done by practice parades, close order for-
mations and marches.

This was the program for several days prior to the big
show. Then came the eventful day — the day that we had re-
solved to win the heart and admiration of the Houstonian. We
were formed and took up the line of march in the center of the
column. Every man was clean shaven, his hair cut, his equip-
ment faultless, shoes were well polished, and thus as we swung
into Main Street in platoon formation the black population that
had choked the streets to see their boys, gasped with admiration,
held their breath with wonder, then opened their mouths with
pride and yelled "Atta Boy, now let these white folks start some-
thing." Down the wide, well-kept street that was jammed with
whites and blacks we passed. Not a handclap from the whites,
who regarded us with sullen silence, for never before had Hou-
ston seen Negro Soldiers marching her streets under arms. Down
the streets marched the Crusaders keeping perfect step to the
strains of Dixie and as we neared the Reviewing Stand on the
balcony of the Rice Hotel the band struck up "Illinois." Every
man's eyes were looking directly in front, head erect, shoulders
thrown back, chest forward and making a full thirty. Fifteen
paces this side of the Reviewing Stand the voice of Colonel
Dennison rang out as clear as a clarion note, "Eyes — Left!" Every
eye snapped to the left. The trick was done, the populace went
wild, they cheered, they applauded, they shouted "Atta Boy."
Houston had been won by the military appearance and discipline
of Dennison' s Regiment and everybody was happy.

Our stay in Houston that lasted upward of five months
was one of the most pleasant of the entire period of our enforced
absence from our home towns, for the Negro population tried
to outdo each other in making us welcome and many were the
men of the regiment who fell pierced by the arrow of that Little
Cherub, Cupid.

Houston, Texas

(The remainder of this chapter is given over to the compilation of
letters written by the Chaplain to his Church which contains a bird's eye
view of the activities of the Regiment during their training period from
October 1917, until March 1918. These letters are written by a Soldier
of twenty-five years service, written in the language of a Soldier, to cheer
and hearten loved ones at home who needed no cant nor preaching but
wanted facts from the viewpoint of a soldier.)

Houston, Texas, October 19, 1917
Hello, Folks at Home: —

Well, the gang's all here, and have begun the heart-
breaking grind known as "doing their stuff."

After four days travel on the slowest train that ever
crawled through the cotton belt of Texas, (going so slow, at
times, that it seemed as though it would meet itself coming
back), we finally crept into Houston amidst impenetrable fog
and darkness. We detrained at 5:30 A. M. Wednesday, and
by 8 A. M., we had unloaded five box cars of equipment and
had marched seven miles from nowhere into the midst of a
dense pine forest that must be felled and cleared within a week.
'Tis a pity to cut down these giant sentinels of the forest that
have stood guard over these lowlands for decades, but it must
be done so as to provide space to drill and discipline three
thousand men to stop bullets, smell gas and catch bombs, so
that Europe will be safe for Democracy while the dear old U.S.A.
will continue to grow and husband the rank weed of class and
race hatred. Enough of that.

We have some twenty odd men in the hospital, among
whom is Leslie Hayes, one of ours. None are serious save one
just brought in — a tree fell on him, fracturing his skull.

Several of our boys were imprudent enough to start
rough stuff up town last night. They are in the guard house now,
and will be severely dealt with to-morrow.

In conjunction with his duties as Post Master, they have
"wished" the statistical work of the Regiment on the Chaplain,
but he is too old a soldier to kick when he is across a barrel.

Privates Toles, McCoo, McDougal and Tubbs are detailed
to the Chaplain: — Toles as his personal orderly, the others as
clerks in the Post Office and Statistical Division. Pvt. George
says "Hello!" He is too busy as orderly to the Adjutant to write.
Markus Slater reported that he had come clean. He has rolled
so many logs that he has forgotten how to salute his Chaplain.
Bassel is orderly to the Little Colonel, and is making good. All
of the Berean boys have been taken care of except Hayes and
the Chaplain will look after him as soon as he comes out of the
Hospital.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

One of our boys took sick Wednesday eve., and when we
got him to the hospital we found out it was a her. It's the same
poor sordid story, a woman's love and a man's duplicity. She
followed her sweetheart here. He's in the guardhouse and
will be sent up. The Chaplain passed the hat in Co. "A," and
the boys gave $2 1 .50, then he hiked over to Co. "M," they gave
$1 7.00, plus $5.00. The girl didn't have anything to wear but
a smile, so the Chaplain imagined he was buying clothes for
Elizabeth — they are the same age — and when he checked up
he had bought Gladys Johnson $21.50 worth of clothes. To-
morrow she will be taken to Houston by the Chaplain, put on a
train and sent away. Corp. Parish and his chums deserve
special mention for their manliness in the matter; none of whom
were responsible for her coming, but one Pvt. Gordon of Co.
A will forever be a sadder but wiser man.

Enough for one time. Good night. Loving greetings
and prayers for your success, prosperity and usefulness.

Your loving pastor, W. S. Braddan

Camp Logan, October 25, 1917

I am wondering how fares Berean and its members, its
friends and loyal supporters. My prayers are to you ward con-
stantly.

We are beginning to get straight at last. If you ever saw
a sand storm you can imagine how we have suffered to-day. It
has blown incessantly since six o'clock.

They continue to clear away the trees where our future
parade ground will be. It's a slow and dangerous process. We
are compelled to use a great deal of dynamite in blasting the
stumps and to hear the intonation it reminds me of what they
must hear from morning until night when once they cross the
Pond to measure arms with the stubborn Teutons.

The boys are deporting themselves very well, and their
health is far above the average.

The real test will come next week when two thousand
of them will receive their pay. I am reasoning with them con-
stantly and doing all in my power to keep them in check.

Banks, of Co. "G," who was shot last week, is on the
high road to recovery. Leslie Hayes, (Mrs V. Hayes* husband),
is grievously ill at the Base Hospital. He has erysipelas in the
worst form, but is cheerful. I have written his loved ones. I
expect that he will gradually improve, and ultimately be back
to duty.

Houston, Texas

Wednesday was a high day in Houston. The entire 65th
Brigade, of which the "8th" is a part, was scheduled to parade
the city streets. It was a foregone conclusion that the white
soldiers would be well received, but just how the Eighth would
be treated in the face of the recent rioting of the 24th Inf. was
problematic. But the boys were tip-toeing, and eager to show
the Houstonians how to do their stuff. At 7:30 Assembly
sounded, and with jaws set ready for hisses or applauds, we
swung into line down the long dusty road that leads across
Shepherds' Dam — where the 24th began their march of death
and where fell the first victim of that eventful night — out past the
unkept cemetery where the body of Sgt. Henry lay, who, rather
than be arrested, killed himself — down Filipo Street to the bend
of the road where the bodies of nine whites lay as a ghastly
reminder that Democracy was knocking at America's door as
well as Europe's. Finally we reached the heart of the city and
the hearts of the people. Why, they simply went wild with de-
light. Our people hugged each other and shouted with delight,
"Here come our boys. Let the Crackers start something now."
One ancient woman cried, "Dem boys would charge Hell with
a bucket of Water." Of course the whites were not so en-
thusiastic but endured it stoic-like. But there was one tall in-
dividual Captain who rode at the front who remembered that
eternal vigilance is the price of safety, who watched every move
of the whites and never breathed easy until the parade was over
and he had returned to camp, taken a bath and lay him down
to dream of Berean and Home.

Making Houston Like It
32

Thanksgiving and Christmas at Houston

CHAPTER IV

Thanksgiving and Xmas at Houston.

Camp Logan, November 5, 1917.

Well Church:—

Pay day for the boys has come and gone, and Houston
is still on the map, for the men of the 8th made good and there
was no trouble.

Houston's colored population has moved to Camp Logan,

that is say — from the looks of our camp from three until

five P. M. Women of every conceivable description, big and
little, fat and thin, tall and short. Sorne of them that come out
here look like a dream, I mean such a dream as one has when
they eat a hearty rrieal of cabbage and bacon, and taper it off
with mince pie and go to sleep: horrible! They seem so timid,
dear trembling innocence abroad, but they are not as innocent
as they look or would have you believe. Some gentle soul
timidly knocked on the Chaplain's tent door the other eve, — he
was hitting his pipe and trying to see State Street in the rings of
smoke, when he was roused from his reverie by the timid knock.
"Come in," and a gorgeously gowned vision of female grace stood
blinking her eyes to accustom them to the electric light, and
purred, "Is you the preacher man of this camp?" "Guilty to the
charge," was his answer, "What can I do for you?" "Well,
what I wanted to ask, do you have to be shure miff converted to
be a chaplain?" Well, to make a long story short, the chaplain
said, "What do you want? Play your cards on the table, for you
certainly did not disturb my peaceful dream over my pipe to
ask that foolish question. What is it?" "Well," she said, "a
school teacher friend of mine wanted to meet you, as she saw
you in the parade." So there you are. She came, she saw,
(don't read this if Mrs. Braddan is there) and thereby hangs a
tale, to be continued in our next. Ha! Ha! That one on you.

Now to be serious: — our Lieut. Warfield had a serious
operation last week. He is now in the base hospital. He sends
his love to all in general, but to a certain Miss Ethel in particular.
No, that isn't fair, don't try to guess the rest of her name.

. Capt. Arnett of F. Co. was taken to the hospital Friday
with acute rheumatism. 'Twill be a long time ere he returns
to duty.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

Corp. Helm just left the Chaplain's tent. Yes, he wanted
money so that he could go in town and turn on a little slow
sport.

There's a Mexican girl comes out here once in a while,
and when it isn't Mr. Bassel it's Mr. Towel es. It's hard to tell
Who's who, but the odds are on Bassel.

The orderlies received their horses yesterday, and the
chaplain has been looking for his orderly all day. Well, there's
nothing for him to do but make his own bed and fire; it isn't
the first time he has made his own bed, even when he was at
5008 — 5th Avenue.

There is a very nice collection of views of Camp events
at the old number that the Chaplain is sending home for safe
keeping, as he is writing a history of the 8th's present activities,
and the dear lady over there will be delighted to show them to
you.

See him with his gas mask on and tell him what you think
of him, if it doesn't look too bad in print.

Every dependent whose husband or son has made an
allotment by writing to the Secretary of War at Washington,
D. C., stating their dependency, will receive $42.50 per month,
with an addition of $7.50 for each minor child, independent of
the said allotment. Officers' wives are not included in this al-
lowance, only soldiers' dependents.

The Chaplain wishes it distinctly understood that under
no circumstances can the date or place of embarkation to France
be given or what units will move, so kindly refrain from writing
such questions.

Pvt. George has at last got a horse big enough for him,
for his feet no longer drag the ground when he's horse-back.

The Chaplain hears excellent reports about Berean, and
says "Keep it up." One month has passed since he said Adieu,
and the same faith in God, Berean and providence that made
him leave it without fear still sticks with him and will abide
until, in God's providence, he returns.

Lovingly your Pastor,

W. S. Braddan.

Camp Logan,
November 7, 1917.

Beloved Church and Congregation: —

Well, I slipped a cog last week owing to a general order

tightening up on all news matters coming out of the camp. So

Thanksgiving and Christmas at Houston

I will be compelled to eliminate a great deal of interesting matter
from my weekly letters.

McDougal has the mumps and his head is as big as a
pumpkin. He says, "Hello, everybody." Lester Bassel is still
dodging drills and hikes by sticking around Colonel Johnson's
tent. Oliver Towles, well you can't pry him away from the
Chaplain. I heard the Captain say, I didn't know he liked me
so well until he came to Texas, fine boy — he made one hike,
then threw up both hands, got way back and balled the jack and
said, "Captain, never again." So to-day when we marched to
Houston in honor of Governor Lowden, Oliver stayed at home.
A. George rides a black horse that is as big as a Newfoundland
dog — nuff said. He's a good soldier at that, for the Chaplain
has borrowed his blouse more than once. Harry Greenley is the

most popular man in the band with the but he asked

me not to mention it. Leslie Hayes is home from the base hos-
pital and looks like a chicken with the pip. His head is
certainly fat, I think we will tap it soon. He wonders what's
the matter with Vie. So do I. Corp. Helm looked mad enough
to fight to-day when we got back off that twelve mile hike. Corp.
Newman is saying nothing but sawing wood and paying for
Liberty Bonds. Good boy, he is.

It's a hard matter for the Chaplain to answer ten letters
a day, with postage gone up, so he says Hello, Everybody. He
has preached every Sunday evening at some of the city churches
and tries hard to make himself believe he is at Berean, but it
can't be done, for they do so much yelling and amen-ing, that
he realizes the difference. One sister yelled, "Man, if you don't
stop that telling the truth, I am coming up there and kiss you."
I looked at her, she had a face that only a mother could love,
and stopped.

Invitations to social functions are numerous. Your
pastor expects to go down to Galveston (by auto) with, well it
doesn't make any difference, you don't know them.

Don't ask, when we are leaving, for you will not know
until it's all over and you read it in the papers, for the orders
against telling the time of departure have been issued.

The Chaplain said that he would not send any more
letters to the editor unless she acknowledged the receipt of the
same. Big Boy won't object.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. Q.), A. E. F.

Camp Logan, Tex.,
11/23/1917.
Neata:

I thank you. Both were duly received. You are
certainly some interesting letter writer. Did the Big Boy censure
them?

My sympathies go out to the grass widows. Thanks to
all such for their words of encouragement.

There is one name, when mentioned in the medical de-
partment, causes a certain soldier to show his teeth. That name
is Alma. He was singing the Blues last week and wound up
by saying, "Alma, where art thou?"

First Sgt. of "A" Co. fell in an incinerator last week and
received very painful burns that will keep him from duty for
two months. He is resting as well as could be expected at the
Base Hospital.

It looks as though Capt. Arnett will return home as his
condition does not respond to the treatment given here. We
all hate to have him go, for he is the best Captain in the outfit.
But such is the life of a soldier — one day, happy, hale and hearty
— the next, Bingo, shot full of holes, and for what? Search me.

A certain Brown saw a statement that "M" made
in a letter to the Chaplain and grinned as he said, "Chaplain, I
wish I felt that she meant that. It would make me braver to face
the Huns." Don't be uneasy, "M," there's small danger of him
being hit unless he is shot in the heel. Now don't frown or the
girls will know it's you. Has anyone seen the gas man? Ask
Vivian Davis, she knows. You shall see him if you are patient.

Corp. Newman says that some one wrote him about fried
chicken and hot biscuits swimming in butter. Don't do that
again, for the next day on drill he kept licking his lips and about
all he got was this Texas real estate. Buddy Jones (Mrs.
Emagee Jones' son) is slowly but surely getting over the Blues.
The first day he was here in my tent he cried so that I had to
have Oliver mop the floor after he left. Believe me, State Street
looks mighty good to these boys when seen in imagination two
thousand miles away. Oliver said, "Cap, what did you write
that Mexican girl stuff for? Now Ma has written, balling me
out. Tell her I am in the army now, far from the strap."
Greenley got one more calling down per special delivery from
Chi. Don't be uneasy, Mrs. G., Harry has a face no one could
love but his mother, you and everybody. Ha! Ha! He was
sick two days after receiving your letter, but is O. K. now.

Thanksgiving and Christmas at Houston

Who's looney now? Ask A. George, he knows. Some-
thing has gone wrong for he sits on that horse as though his
mind's in Chicago and his 200 pounds here. Such is life.

St. John's Baptist Church wins. They sent a hundred
pound box to the Chaplain the contents to be divided between
eleven members of their church. And it can't be beat. Nuts,
candy, salmon, sardines, bologny, smokes, spearmint, Sweet-
heart Soap, Uneeda Biscuits, Ginger-Snaps; the only thing they
neglected to send was a big dose of castor oil, for those men
certainly put it under the belt and the next day they went to the
hospital. They're out now, still talking about that box.

Lieut. Warfield, Corp. Helm, Bassel and the rest of our
boys came to the Chaplain's tent, looked at the pile of stuff
and said, "Cap, what's the matter with Berean?" The Chaplain
said, "Berean will make good." What about it, Church?

Where's that sweater that the Chaplain asked a certain
school teacher to send him? If you look around at her real
quick and see how provoked she looks you will know who it is.

On to Galveston Sunday, Monday, a plunge in the
Gulf and back home Monday P. M.

Sgt. Dushon of the M. G. Co., says Hello to everybody,
for he certainly played some football to-day against the Prairie
View Boys. Our men won by a score of 3-0. All the fat browns
and high yallers were out and the soldiers simply kidnapped
them while the wise old owl looked on and blinked real hard
and mused, who's looney now? The last seen of him he was in
a tin lizzard, humming, " I love the cows and chickens, but
this is the life." Clotee, censure the last paragraph if a lady
with gray hairs on each temple is there, otherwise a letter will
come next week saying, "Will, I want you to behave yourself."
But I'm in the Army now.

Your pastor greets you with love and perpetual prayers
for your steadfastness. In these letters he's just whistling to
keep up his courage. Help him by being true and loyal to your
church.

Capt. W. S. Braddan,

Chap. 8th 111. Inf.

Camp Logan, Tex.,
11/30/1917.
Hello Berean: —

I have the honor to report that the members of the
8th 111. Inf. engaged the enemy, the elusive Turkey, yesterday

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

at 12 M., and after a stubborn attack that lasted an hour, the foe
was completely devoured and retreated in disorder, leaving
bones galore.

It was a glorious day — not a cloud in the sky, sun shone
bright and hot. The camp was thronged with visitors. Thirty-
six tons of turkey graced the festive board. Yet, but yet, that
was not Home, Sweet Home. One brown-skinned Captain was
heard to remark, "You can have all this world of turkey and
that which goes with it, but give me 5008 Fifth Avenue."

The Chaplain distributed thirty-seven sacks of mail be-
tween eight and eleven thirty A. M., which contained over two
hundred parcels, that contained everything from chitterlings to
turkey, spoiled in transit. It was pathetic to note the love thus
manifested on the part of the folks at home, who seemed to think
that the boys are underfed, when the truth is that they are all
eating as good, if not better, than the loved ones at home.

Oliver Towles said "Cap., Mom sent me a box and I want
you to have this piece of chicken." "All right, Sheeny, put it in
my box, and I'll eat it to-morrow." Then came Bassel with his
glad smile and "Want a piece of Chicken, Cap?" "Yes, Lester,
lay it in there." But believe me, if the Chaplain ate everything
that was brought to his tent he would weigh 3 1 0 instead of 210,
which is a plenty.

The Chaplain has been asked to pastor a certain church
in Houston. Well, it is to laugh. He gently informed them
that he was the pastor of the only church he ever intended to
pastor and that no offer of money could induce him to give it
up, even though he was not nailed to the stars and stripes.

The 8th pushed the boys of Sam Houston College off the
boards in the football game Thanksgiving. 6-0 was the score.
Truly we have some bunch.

Berean boys are making good. The Chaplain is en-
deavoring to have Buddie Jones transferred from "I" to "B"
Co., where he will be better satisfied. Just now he is singing
the blues because he does not know anyone in "I" Co. It's Sgt.
George now, Mess Sgt. of Hdqt. Co., with emphasis on the Mess.
Thrice was he offered this princely crown and thrice did he
refuse it. Does this seem like ambition? Yet Cleotte says he
was ambitious. Ha! Ha! Lieut. Warfield sends happy greet-
ings and a line to Berean. Read it, especially if Ethel is there.

Olie, Olie, at last. Happy days, prosperity, and hopes
that you have as good a husband as he has a wife. How is
Mother?

Thanksgiving and Christmas at Houston

Don't know what has become of Corps. Slater and New-
man. The last time they were seen was Thanksgiving and the
way that they were wrapping themselves around Turkey they
are due at the Hostital. Edward McCoo, (Rev's son), is up
for discharge; nothing serious, only another case of State Street
Blues, so prevalent just now with the advent of Christmas sea-
sons. He was heard asking the Chaplain, "Capt., can you fix
it up for me?" "No," said Holy Joe, I told you not to leave dear
old State Street, but you would come, and now you stay for
another month at any rate."

The Pastor continues to hear pleasant things of Berean
and with increasing pride loves and prays for the continuance
of God's blessings upon you and your loyalty to your God, your
church and yourselves.

Houston, Tex.
December, 1917

Berean has made good as everyone knew she would.
She has lived up to her reputation of unselfishness. Berean
boys are happy and proud of one of the dearest and best group
of Christians that ever lived.

Yes, there were wet eyes among them as they thought
of Home, Sweet Home and loved ones whom they may not see
for a long time, and perhaps not again in this life. "But we
are in the Army now." Had it not been for his rank, (you know
that Captains and Chaplains are not supposed to have feelings),
there is one who would have wept with joy and pride he felt
for a loving, loyal and faithful people. As it was, he was com-
pelled to swallow real hard and say, "Come, fellows, back up
from the water works. You can't see State Street through tears.
You're in the Army now."

Then the Circle of King's Daughters comfort kits were
a great blessing to a group of men who otherwise would not
have been remembered. Tell Mrs. Moss that her circle has
done a grand work.

The mail clerks at Chicago must have known that box
was from Berean, for it reached me Sunday evening, so that I
could distribute its contents Monday.

Thanks, Deacon Nelson, for those fifty perfectly good
cigars. I may hand out cigars to the officers, but not from that
box.

The Battle Song of the 8th has come into its own. A
group of reporters attended the dedication of the "Y" and

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

heard the men sing, "If Jesus Goes With Me I'll Go," and they
immediately button-holed the Chaplain and informed him that
the 8th would sing itself to fame and glory with that song, that
no other regiment had a battle song and that it would go down
into history. The Chaplain gave him the words of the chorus
to publish. Everybody is humming and whistling it now; thanks
to Berean Choir.

The Chaplain is sending one of his flags to Sister Adkins.
Sew a white star for each of our boys on the blue background,
and keep it on display until we return. If we don't come back,
pass it down in the history of Berean.

Lovingly your pastor,

Wm. S. Braddan

Wishing you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

Camp Logan, Tex.
1/23/18.
Well Beloved:—

Berean has scored again, two of her boys and one
adopted son have grabbed large and lucious plums, 2nd Lieut.
W. Warfield is now 1st Lieut., Sgt. Harvey Johnson is now 1st
Lieut, and 1st Sgt. Jordan (whose wife is one of Berean's best)
received his commission as 2nd Lieut. Truly Berean should be
proud of her representatives as mirrored in these young men,
and the end is not yet. Watch the rest climb. Bob Helem
should of been one of them, ask him why? But there will be
other opportunities for soldiers and officers are made to be
killed and others will take their place.

The Chaplain is overjoyed by reason of the token of
love, esteem and thoughtfulness manifested by the members
and friends of Berean who so kindly co-operated in the auto
fund for $1 75 was received from treasurer Chas. Davis last week.
The Sky Pilot had been in town all day on official business and
upon his return found several letters and as is his custom, he
selected the envelope that read — Berean — and he nearly fell out
of his shoes when he saw the draft. You can depend upon it
that the entire sum will be used for transportation purposes. He
has already hired a car, (for we are marking time just now, I
cannot say more) but as soon as we are settled, you may expect
a photo of "Berean's Car."

Sister Adkins, the pastor is depending on you to keep
on file a copy of each messenger. Thanks.

The sketch book being prepared by the Sky Pilot of the

Thanksgiving and Christmas at Houston

370th will also contain selections from Berean Messenger — for
while the U. S. is making History so is one of the best churches
in the U. S. In future years when we sit before the open grate
of life at our evening time watching each separate dying ember
cast its shadow on the floor, our children will point with pride
at the deeds of valor and devotion of the sons of Berean who
being dead will still speak.

The Chaplain is just wild to see you one and all so don't
be surprised if he grabs a southern breeze and blows in down
Dearborn and 52nd next month. If he dosen't, then you will
know the reason why.

We hope to get together with the rest of our Brigade
and division, ours is the 185th Brigade, 93rd Division consisting
of the 1 5th N. Y. Separate Battalion of the District of Columbia
N. G. and 9th Ohio.

Thus you have the entire N. G. of Negroes welded
into one fighting unit and they who know the fighting stamina
of the Negro will see in this Org. — one of the strongest, most
invulnerable fighting forces at home or abroad.

The 370th is the only Org. — with a full complement
of Negro officers; her Colonel F. A. Dennison knows no fear
and places no value on his life if by its sacrifice he can give to
the world a demonstration of the real worth and value of the
negro to the U. S. Army in particular and the body politic in
general.

There's a certain Chaplain who has requested his Col.
to put him on the line so that when the time comes he can go
over the top leading his men into that Hell of Horrors, singing,
"If Jesus goes with me I'll go anywhere."

With much love, and hopes that the next letter sent
will bear another post mark save this one that will show that we
are far from the land of the reed necks —

Wm. S. Braddan,

Capt. 370th Inf.

Camp Logan,
March 4, 1918
Beloved Church and Congregation: —

This is your pastor's valedictorian letter as far as Camp
Logan is concerned.

I have refrained from writing you until now for several
reasons. First, because of the uncertainty of our stay, which

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

keeps us on tip-toe, but we are now flat-footed, standing, await-
ing the command, Forward, March, that will take us nearer
the theatre of action, battle, death and victory.

We leave this camp this week for a secret destination,
for while we have a nasty bloody job on hand, we want to be
at it and get it out our system, and hurry back.

It's needless to say that the men were glad to see the
Chaplain back on the job, for they are human and misery loves
company, and as the Sky-Pilot has been sharing their misery for
a number of years, they want him to continue.

My nephew joined the outfit two weeks ago. Of course,
you know that I finally decided that the army was the best
place for my son, and so informed him and the blood of Braddan
that he inherited from his grandfathers on both sides, (both of
them were soldiers), prompted him to kick in, so I expect him to
meet me somewhere in France if not before.

To the mothers, wives, sweethearts and loved ones, the
men of the 370th say, "Don't worry; we'll come back. It's for
you we are fighting."

Yesterday, (Sunday), was Houston Day. All the people
were here. The camp was literally black with Houstonians.
There were many tearful good-byes. Mrs. Geraldine Hodges-
Desmond arrived in camp in time to tell Binga Desmond Good-
By. Mrs. McDougall journeyed from Chicago to arrive here
this A. M., to say Hello and Adieu to her two sons. Excuse
me from the second Good-by.

The men are eager to be on their way; "So it's Good
By State St., Hello France, We've Come To Help You Win
This War."

General Bell presented the Daily News stand of colors
to our regiment this A. M. The ceremonies were very touching.
Colonel Dennison responded with eloquence and emotion such
as only one with a sense of duty and a knowledge of what awaits
us over there could.

Finally, Beloved, be strong, be faithful, pull together,
pray for the men. If you don't hear from me within two weeks,
you will within a month. Until then, God keep and watch over
you all and those who go in answer to their nation's call.
Lovingly and faithfully yours,

Capt. Wm. S. Braddan,

Chaplain, 370th Inf., N. G.
42

Good-By Houston ; Hello France

CHAPTER V

Qood-By Houston; Hello France!

March 15, 1917

At last the expected, desired, yet dreaded hour came
that the "370th" would base at a seaport camp for transporta-
tion over there.

I want you to bear in mind that while the rest of the
Division had been in training three months longer than we, yet
so thorough had been our training and disciplining, so con-
scientiously had the men been applying themselves to drills
that they were deemed fit for foreign service five months earlier
than were the rest of the Division.

Yes, we were loath to leave Houston, but we were more
anxious to be on our way Over There, so that we could help in

Good-By Houston

the game of strapping the Huns and get home, for we felt the
quicker we got at it the sooner it would be ended.

The Big Question was, "Where do we go from here?"
No one knew but the Big Boy and he couldn't tell. At last the
day of parting, March 6th, arrived and we were off and on our
way.

It was Newport News, Va., a place of a thousand
prejudices. The people, always hateful toward the Negro, had

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

resolved to add fuel to their hate toward the "8th." All kinds of
rumors had preceded our coming. 'Twas said that it was the
"8th" that had started the trouble in Houston and that we had
resolved to start similar trouble in Newport News. Not only
the white civilian population had resolved to get us but our
supposed to be comrades in arms, the white soldiers and officers,
especially the M. P's. Many were the clashes between our men
and the M. P's. who seemed bent on putting us in bad. But
aside from a few broken heads on both sides there was nothing
to it.

Camp Stewart,
Newport News, Va.
March 12, 1918
Beloved Church: —

Well, here we are, and we are here because we are
needed to help curb the devil in human guise, "The Kaiser."
He who makes your days heatless, your meals meatless, your
coffee sweetless, Gee, but how I hate him.

After five days spent on the slowest train that ever pulled
out of a depot, during which we passed through ten states, we
arrived at this burg Sunday, the 10th, at 5:00 P. M. And the
sight of it beggars description. Camp Stewart is washed by the
restless waters of the Atlantic, that frets the shores of two conti-
nent. Riding their anchors some eight hundred yards out, lie our
sullen dogs of war, spic and span, trimmed of all unnecessary
frills, transformed from their immaculate white to dull drab, their
monstrous guns ready for action, pointed out across the track-
less deep. The sight of those war vessels straining at their
anchor, like mastiff dogs at the leash, is conducive to make the
most timid brave and unafraid.

The camp itself is ideal, but much cluttered up, for you
must know that the camp that now can quarter a hundred thousand
men was a swamp but a few short months ago. The housing is
excellent, the wooden barracks are fifty by thirty, two-story,
steam-heated, bath and electric lighted.-

While I may not designate the units here quartered, I

may say that this organization of ours is the center of admiration.

The most dejected looking men I ever saw in uniform,

and the most unsoldierly are the Stevedores. Truly, I would

rather be a dog than such a soldier.

But to the matter nearest your heart, How are your own
boys, what is their sentiment? They are well and as fit as so

Good-By Houston; Hello France

many fiddles. They stood the long journey with soldierly forti-
tude, as in anticipation of the work that lies before them. When
first they saw the waters of the Atlantic and the vast and numer-
ous vessels that hugged its bosom, they wondered, they looked
again, tightened their belt and whistled, "If Jesus Goes with me
I'll Go, Anywhere." Yes, they would like to see you, to hear
your voice, but as that can not be, they are anxious to be on their
way and get through with this bloody business and hurry back
to home, sweet home, and State Street.

While the train was side-tracked at St. Louis, the Chap-
lain called Drover 2410 and had a pleasant chat, at $1.75 per.
He refuses to tell you how long the chat lasted, but not as long
as Rev. McCoo talked to his boys the night before they left. It
cost him just fifty iron boys, and when we pulled in here Sunday,
he was here. I felt like kicking him into the Atlantic. It has un-
done for his boys what we have done for five months.

Now Beloved, stand firm, be faithful, be zealous, stick,
endure, while I am away. Keep busy, get your rally set for
June. I will hurry back.

Your loving pastor,

Camp Stewart,
Newport News, Va.,
March 28, 1918.

To the Officers, Members and Friends of Berean: —
Dearly Beloved: —

I am writing what will evidently be my last letter to
you before going over there to war torn Europe. Judging from
certain signs, we will not be at this point very long. I have much
indeed to say to you, but may not at this time. Suffice it to say
that I am going because of a sense of duty that I owe the soldiers
and you, their loved ones at home, who feel that I am needed
with this regiment. After all these years of military service,
I do feel that my duty is here for the present, to inspire and en-
courage this splendid group of men who have placed their bodies
upon the nation's altar, either for service or slaughter. I owe
to my race this sacrifice, that I now gladly make, for I realize
that upon the showing of this regiment (because of its entire
personnel being Race men) depends the weal or woe of our
race. If we fail, the race fails; if we succeed, the race succeeds.
Knowing this as I do, I leave home, wife, children and a loving
congregation for a season, believing that my race as a whole
needs me more than loved ones at home. If you love me, and

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

I know you do, if I am a source of help and encouragement to
you, then think by comparison what I am to two thousand six
hundred men that must soon receive their baptism of fire, amidst
a condition that will try the soul of the strongest and bravest of
us.

You know me well enough to understand that it is not
braggadocio that prompts me to say, the love of these men for
me, (great as is yours), is not less than that of Berean's
I have always endeavored to show to them, by word and deed,
that in me they have not only a spiritual adviser, but a friend:
one who will go all the way with them.

In allowing me to be absent from you, you are not only
serving your individual loved ones but your race and nation.
And I predict that in years to come, when truth gets a hearing,
no church will stand out more prominently than Berean, in her
gift to her soldiers, her race and her nation.

While I am absent from you in body, I shall ever be
present with you in spirit, urging you to be steadfast, faithful
and loyal to your trust, doing only those things consistent with
the unfolding and developing of Christlike character, the
strengthening of faith and the upbuilding of His visible Kingdom.

Remember, these are the times of great sacrifice in life,
in energy, in pleasure and in money. You who are at home
must keep the fires (of industry, spirituality and resources)
burning, and thus relieve those who are at the front from worry
and mental strain, that we may abandon ourselves to the one
thing, winning this war, or in failing, report to God the reason
why.

We were all glad and relieved of a tremendous strain
when on April 6th we were finally ordered to take transport
for the European battle front. It was at this place that we lost
two of our best officers, Lt. Col. J. H. Johnson, one of the
bravest, most beloved and efficient officers in the "8th," a man
who would have covered not only himself but the regiment with
glory had he not been double crossed by Generals Bell and
Blanding, and Capt. J. Nelson, a little giant in his department,
the supply. Blanding pretended that Nelson could not endure
the rigors and hardships of trench warfare, but those of us who
know him best know that with his grit and pluck he could have
endured more hardships than the average officer over there.

But you may say that in making the above statements
that I am actuated by my great friendship toward the men. Not
so, for while I am proud of their friendship I am prouder of the

On Our Way

fact that they were competent men, well seasoned soldiers and
officers, and when they were kicked in the face by a prejudiced
General they did what a true soldier always does, saluted, made
about-face and marched back with head erect, knowing that they
had done their whole duty and offered their lives upon their
nation's altar. Greater love hath no man than this.

CHAPTER VI

On Our Way.

To the men and officers of the "8th" rechristened "370th
Infty," Saturday, April 6, 1918 will ever be remembered as the
day that noted their get-a-way.

At 5 A. M. on the date referred to the Regiment took
up the line of march from their Barracks at Camp Stewart, New-

The Good Ship President Grant, that carried

the 370th (8th I. N. G.), Inf. from
Newport News, Va., to Brest, France

port News, Va., to pier 3 where floated the good ship George
Washington, awaiting its cargo of human freight and cannon
fodder.

It was a sight to behold to see this determined group of
men, calm of visage and firm of step swing down the narrow
muddy back streets of that town of a thousand hateful memories;

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

not a word was spoken as these Modern Crusaders, fully
equipped, caterpillar-like wormed their way to the point of em-
barkation.

Once there I wondered why our silence, and the apparent
secrecy of our movement, for it seemed as though every human
knew of our going for at once within a radius of two blocks of the
pier the place was alive with people and relatives of soldiers and
officers who on the day before had been forbidden the camp
area, waiting to say the final good-by.

"Twas a sad sight to witness indeed, frail little women
trying to be brave and cheerful. How heroically they tried to
smile, as they waved a parting good-by to their loved ones as
they swung by in company formation, for be it remembered that
no one was allowed to get out of line or say a parting word to
mother, wife, sister or sweetheart. Just a smile, perhaps a bow,
that was all, but hundreds of loyal wives had traveled hundreds
of miles just for that smile and nod in passing. Truly the
greatest burdens and heroic deeds and sacrifices were endured
by the women, they whom we left "to keep the home fires burn-
ing." The greatest battles that e'er were fought, shall I tell you
where and when? Upon the battle fields you'll find them not;
for they were fought by women and not by men.

It was 11 A. M. before we were finally loaded aboard
this floating palace that was to serve as our home for seventeen
days. When we were finally loaded we numbered five thousand
human souls composed of the 371st regiment of drafted men
from North and South Carolinas, "370th" and five hundred
men of a Slave Battalion. Yes, slave, for no name better suits
the conditions under which these noble patriots labored. They
were called Labor Battalion, Engineers and Pioneers, but ask
them how they were treated at home and abroad, when they
were under the complete control of white non-coms as well, as
line officers, not even a Negro Chaplain to offer words of advice
and encouragement ; ask them how they were cursed and damned
and worked at high gear from morning until night, and if their
story does not melt your heart then it's because you have one of
stone.

Saturday night we slipped our cables and were towed out
to midstream, Sunday at 3:30 the pilot gave the signal, the
engine snorted and puffed and we were off — but not for long,
for at 4 P. M. there was a harsh grating sound and we suddenly
stopped. Why? every one queried.

On Our Way

The pilot had run us aground a perfectly good sand-
bar and there we stuck. Eight tugs came to our relief but to no
avail — their number was augmented to fifteen and it was a
sight worth seeing to observe those little giants of the water,
snorting, puffing, ramming and pulling with might and main
to release this monster of the ocean, by the side of which a tug
looked like a fly along side of an elephant. Their combined
efforts were finally rewarded, for one by one they snorted and
steamed away and a mighty shout went up from the throats of
five thousand men, for we were off — on our way — the day
toward which we had looked for nine months while undergoing
our training had arrived, and we were on our way over there.
'Twas then that we began singing "Over There, Say a Prayer,
Send the word, Send the word, Over there, for we are coming
Over and we won't come back 'til it's over, Over There." Alas,
alas, too many of them did not come back, when it was over,
Over There; having made the supreme sacrifice they remain
amidst the fields of daisies and poppies there to await the
final Roll Call.

We were soon impressed with the fact that we were not
on an excursion for Orders relative to conduct on Troop Ships
were issued from Headquarters over the signature of General
Harries, one of the most splendid unprejudiced generals in the
A. E. F. I suppose that was one of the reasons he was not per-
mitted to command a Negro combat unit. It seemed to be the
studied policy of the A. E. F. not to give any General Officer,
known to be square and just toward the Negro, a command.

Tuesday evening we ran into a terrific gale that made
the good ship groan like a goaded bull. How she rode the
waves! Now upon the crest of one that seemed as though it
would take her and her human cargo to the skies, and now, in
the valley formed by monster waves towering on either side
like mountains.

You ask me if the men were sea-sick. Well if you could
have seen them lying around the deck and hanging on the rail
you would not have asked the question. Speaking about feeding
the fish, the majority of them must have had a contract to feed
whales.

Saturday, 1 3th, we picked up a wireless that the Ger-
mans had launched another drive and were threatening the
British lines in Flanders and greatly harassing the French at
Rheims, Compiegne, and Amien.

Sunday, 1 4th, we picked up a troop ship and believe

4!)

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

me it was a source of encouragement for misery loves company
and there were a lot of miserable men aboard that ship, as we
were nearing the Danger Zone where flourished the dread
"Subs." The next day we picked up an auxiliary cruiser and we
experienced a mingled feeling of joy and anxiety — -joy because
of the fact that we had some protection, anxiety because with
the protection came the knowledge of increasing danger.

Saturday, 20th we entered the Danger Zone; all hands
were ordered to wear their life belts and stay in the vicinity of
their life rafts. To tell the truth this. didn't make a hit with me.
I didn't mind taking a chance man to man on dry land but this
thought of being struck by a projectile fired from a "Sub," and
being dumped into the ocean, didn't go big with me.

We were now joined by a fleet of "Sub-chasers," Nos.
56, 68, 55, 28, 51, 57, 64, that darted in and out, around and
about the troop ships, two in number, like wasps — believe me
they had some sting — and it was because of the terror that these
hornets sent to the souls of the men that manned the "Subs"
that made it possible for our Government to convey a million
and half men Over There without losing a single Troop Ship.
Those Cruisers won the war.

Monday, 22nd, was among the happiest days in my life
— not only me but five thousand others yelled themselves hoarse
when after seventeen days at sea the word was passed — Land
Ahead. Every human rushed to the decks beholding a sight
worth traveling thousands of miles to see. Perched upon
enormous ledges of rock sat Brest — this place of a thousand
unhappy memories. Brest that stood thus ere the Saviour was
born. Brest, where had been hatched plots and counterplots
that had shaken Europe for centuries.

Down the same channel that Napoleon passed on his way
from St. Helena to Brest there to receive his sentence, down the
same channel we passed, slipped into the Harbor that had been
made by American skill and labor within a year, there we
anchored until the morrow.

The honor of leading the first armed contingent of this
regiment on French soil fell upon Major Chas. Hunt of the 2nd
Battalion, a splendid soldier and disciplinarian.

We rested- at Pontenuzon Barracks (if rest you called it)
for two days. Here behind those stone walls where were
quartered the flower of Napoleon's Army a hundred years before
we had time to reflect upon what it really meant to be in a

fit)

On Our Way

strange country five thousand miles from home and with th\
chances a hundred to one that we would not get back.

On Friday, the 26th of April, we marched to the railroad
yards to take train, whither we knew not. The thing that im-
pressed me upon reaching the yards was the absence of coaches.
Of course I saw hundreds of little dinky box cars perched upon
high wheels that looked like cracker boxes on cart wheels but
where were we to ride, that was the question. It finally dawned
upon us that those funny looking box cars, with the words 8
Chevaux or 40 Hommes, were meant for us. Into them we
piled the men forty deep. After two days and nights of dis-
comfort and hunger we finally landed at Morvilla where we
detrained and passed in review of a French General and his
staff. We marched direct to Grandvillars, a distance of three
miles, where we were to be billeted.

For six weeks we remained in this town among those
cordial and gentle folks of Lorraine who welcomed us into
their homes and social life. Too much cannot be said of their
hospitality.

'Twas here that we learned that we were not to be
Brigaded with Americans but with the French. The men were
greatly chagrinned when they were ordered to turn in their
American equipment and were issued French equipment instead.
This man's army certainly doesn't want us, was heard on all
sides.

But time heals all wounds; therefore it was not long
before the men were happily engaged in endeavoring to master
the intricacies of French machine gun and rifles and trying to
adjust their color to the funny little blue French helmets but it
was impossible for they looked a fright. We were duly assigned
to the 37th Brig., 40th Div. of the 7th Army.

CHAPTER VII

Lafayette, We Are Here!

A French Port
April 25, 1918.
Dear Church and Congregation: —

I salute you with much love from this point. We arrived
(by the grace of God) early this week, after many days of
watchfulness over the Atlantic. God, the combined prayers and

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

the U. S. Navy are solving the dread Sub menace. Could you
have passed through what we have during these latter days
you would no longer wonder why Columbus after landing
kneeled and kissed the earth and offered prayer unto God.
I wish I could tell you of our wonderful trip abroad, but I can-
not mention it. The boys are all well and stood the trip like
old veterans; there were many amusing things, chief among
which was watching the unfortunate feed the fish. We struck
a bunch of foul weather that lasted several days and it certainly
got them going for every human began leaning over the rail
of the boat with a look of agony on their face as though they
had sighted a sub but they had seen nothing but the chow that
they had eaten for the past week came up in chunks just as they
had swallowed it.

We arrived at this historic port early this week. Its
name I may not mention, it's a place that stands out in history,
a place of a thousand happy and sad memories. France is
truly bled white as far as her man power goes. My heart ached
as I watched the sad eyed women all in black mourning for
loved ones killed by the heathen Huns. Old men and little
children followed our line of march crying "Vive la France,
Vive 1' America, long live America." To see the little chil-
dren clattering over the stony streets with wooden shoes and
to see old men and women driving carts and the younger ones
driving street cars is enough to make one pray, "Oh Lord how
much longer shall that devil and his horde be allowed to ter-
rify the world and slaughter the innocent." We are confident of
the defeat of this devil but are in a hurry until it be accomplished.
We leave this point this week for the interior. I want you to
feel that I am doing my very best to encourage and keep the
morale of the boys to the highest pitch ; they are anxious* to be
in the midst of the activities and you need have no fears; your
regiment by the help of God will not return without honors. I
want you to get together now for your rally in July, I want you
to have your bazaar and write me when and will send you a
souvenir. I want a monthly report on all activities. I shall en-
deavor to get you a letter every two weeks as the mail goes
but twice a month. Be prayerful, faithful and diligent.

I shall see you soon as possible. I want you to remember
that I am your contribution to this European War and that for
every sacrifice you make you will be repaid one hundred fold.
I am sending love and best wishes to you all from your loving
Pastor, Wm. S. Braddan

Lafayette, We Are Here!

In France,
April 30, 1918.
Dear Church: —

Since I last wrote you, I have traveled much, and
through the most beautiful and historic places in the Old World.
When I write that I have camped and slept where camped and
slept men of fame and renown of the Middle Ages, you can then
understand why my heart leaps with joy and the hidden fire
within me burns to a white heat. For days, I have gone through
the garden spot of the world, and mingled with people who
look upon our coming as a God-send, a people who for four
years have fought against great odds with their backs to the wall,
fighting a cruel, relentless foe. Now that we are here, they hug
us with delight. Nothing is too good for "American Soldier."
"Vive Americaina," is what we hear on all sides.

Were I permitted to tell you where I am, you would
hardly believe it. I think I may tell you that we enjoy a dis-
tinction that no other regiment from over there enjoys — further
than this I may not say.

I am "Billeted," (rooming) with one of the wealthiest
French families in this quaint village of the middle period.
Nothing is too good for me. The fact that I am "Curate" of
Le Regiment, The Priest of the Regiment, is my passport to
every home.

Of course, you must know that aside from the men of
our regiment, there are no others of our kind here. I am hoping
that when the War ends, the same spirit of manhood that pre-
vails here will obtain over there.

The men are standing up very well indeed. I may say
that they are all well at this writing. Further than to-day I
shall not write again, as the War Department will inform loved
ones over there relative to any serious end that may befall their
loved ones over here. This I shall not do.

I want you to continue in faith and prayer, knowing
that God will take care of all who put their trust in Him.
I am unshaken in my faith of a glorious victory and a safe return.
I wish that I might tell ' you of honors already received, but
this I may not do. You can depend upon it, that amidst it all,
I think of what it will mean to my race, my country, my church,
my family and above all, my God and His Kingdom.

Whatever I may attain in honor, glory and renown, I
will bring it back to you, if you be but faithful.

Announce for the rally in July, if I find it impossible to

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

be there, I will send suitable tokens and souvenirs, also for the
June bazaar. You may announce I will send three prizes, to be
used as the committee see fit.

Tobacco is a rare thing out here and the very thing the
men most desire. Send some at once to me for them.

I greet you with fervent love and prayers, with full con-
fidence in my God and your God, my Father and your Father.
May he in grace watch between us during our absence, one from
the other. Capt. Wm. S. Braddan,

Chaplain, 370th Inf., N. G.

A. E. F., France
At the Front in France,
Dearly Beloved: — May 12, 1918

This is Mothers' Day and the entire American Expe-
ditionary Forces now operating in the land of a thousand un-
happy memories, are thinking of home, sweet home, of mother,
sisters, and sweethearts, who are prayerfully awaiting their vic-
tory and safe return.

There are a countless number of things of interest that I
could write you were it not for the very strict orders against
mentioning anything of a military nature. The reason is clear,
as it's impossible to tell when our mail might fall into the hands
of the enemy who could and would use it to our undoing.
Hence our own safety demands secrecy.

I suppose the major part of the outfit is getting used to
sleeping while the sullen dogs of war are barking at their front
door. I know one perfectly good captain who didn't sleep very
much the first night or two, but lay listening to that everlasting
noise that seemed to say, "Wake up, get up, and limber up for
action." Oh, well, that's past history. I sleep like a baby now
and eat like a wolf.

You have never seen any bread until you have seen
this Pon. I don't know what it is made of, but I do know that
there is no flour in it. At first I looked at it with disgust, then
as I grew hungry I picked the straw out of it and went to it.
But you must eat it like you do Lirriburger Cheese, shut your
eyes, take a bite, and let it go at that. Yet it must be healthy
for I haven't been sick a day and every one has a similar ex-
perience.

You have no need to fear as to whether the 8th — 370th
will make good, for they "ain't going to do nothing else." They
have come in for great praise during the past week. I am

Lafayette, We Are Here !

trying to make a collection of souvenirs for your bazaar, but I
don't know whether it will be possible to get them there in time.
I am expecting every one to do their duty at Berean while
I am over here and I have no fear of the future. God has a
great and glorious work to accomplish through Berean if we are
but faithful to our trust. 52nd and Dearborn will yet blaze with
glory to God and humanity as never before. Be faithful, dili-
gent and prayerful. Keep your eyes straight ahead, unshaken
by aught save the guidance of God.

Did I tell you of the sport we had coming over? It con-
sisted in watching the sea sick men feed the fish and believe me,
their name was legion and every fish had enough and then some.
Private A. George had a contract to feed a whale from the way
he went at it. Pvt. McDougall combined their efforts and all
but prayed to die. Corp. Helm did his share. Corp. Newman,
Pvts. Towles and Bassel were a few who failed to pay tribute to
Dame Neptune.

Am compelled to close before I had finished.
With love and prayers for your steadfastness,
Your loving pastor,

Wm. S. Braddan
Capt. and Chap., 370th Inf., N. G.

Am. Ex. Forces, France

Postal Sector

Far away from home and going farther
France, May 17, 1918

The First Religious Services held by the Chaplain
in Grandvillars, France, May 5, 1918

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

( Grand villars)
Beloved Church and Congregation: —

We have been very busy since I was compelled to bring
my last letter to a sudden close; but am now at leisure to write
a line or two.

Yes, Berean boys are all well and hitting the ball with-
out complaint. I think we will all be justly proud of the part
that Berean is playing in this world struggle. Oh! yes, the boys
in common with every human, have their seasons of longing for
home sweet home and dear old State Street and the loved ones,
wives, sisters, sweethearts, and mothers. But they soon "buck
up," take up an extra link in their belt, get their French book and
begin the declension of the French verb "Love."

A Colored Gentleman in the Wood Pile

It's certainly a knock out this trying to learn a perfectly
good but intricate language at forty and six but what's a fellow
to do when in a strange country where you must know when
to go, where to go, and what to do, yet "Vous ne Parlez-vous."
If you could see a certain Captain trying to wrap his tongue
around this French pronunciation, and the twisting of the mouth
and nose, you sure would say, "Do have a heart." The Made-

Lafayette, We Are Here !

moiselle who has the task of teaching this particular Captain said
"La la Capitan, such an ugly face you make, smile." But believe
me, it can't be done until you master this stuff then you can't
do any thing else but laugh when you think of how foolish were
your first efforts.

Every officer who feels like it, has an interpreter following
at his heels like a blood hound. But I never enjoyed having some
one doing my talking while I look wise and foolish, so it's me to
the French dictionary morning, noon and night.

You must not expect me to say anything in these letters
relative to our activities for this I may not do, neither the pass-
ing of loved ones, this must come through the War Dept. I
may mention however (when necessary) the placing of Black
on one or more Stars in our Service flag, without mentioning
any names, until now while other flags must thus be honored,
ours is yet free, thank God.

I go tomorrow to a little green hill that over looks a
quaint sleepy village with thatched roofs and town cryers, pass
the same spot where last week we marched and laughed and
joked, to this same place I go tomorrow to lay at rest a brave
Patriot who little thought one week ago that he would rest on
the summit of the same hill he so recently adm,ired. Such are
the uncertain ties of life in the army, but so, also in civil life as
well.

I am enclosing this photo, the first taken in France at our
Sunday services May 5, 1918. I want it lithographed, have it
done by the very best artist, have a souvenir made as per sample
enclosed, and give them at the July rally.

With love and prayers for your faith and loyalty,
I am your loving pastor,
W. S. Braddan,
Captain and Chaplain, 370th Inf., N. G.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.
CHAPTER VIII

Verdun, Argonne, Chateau Thierry Front.

'N account of the efficiency of the officers and
men of the 370th Infantry, the French Generals were
loud in their praise of the men; within six weeks after
our arrival in France we were judged as fit to take
the trenches in a quiet sector. Orders were given for
us to occupy the trenches in front of Montbeliard.
Our troops were to march in under cover of night, June 5th,
but the Germans got wind of our intended movements and they
shelled the road all night. This not only frightened the civil
population but made the French General change his plans
relative to our station for they now feared to put American
troops on the line lest the Germans attack that sector, some-
thing that they had never done. Be it borne in mind that we
were the very first American soldiers in that section of France and
the Germans were resolved to register their disapproval by start-
ing the ball rolling. This of course was to be avoided as we
were neither in sufficient number nor prepared to withstand an
attack at that time, so it was decided so send us to the sector
lying in front of St. Mihiel.

When it was decided that we were to leave Grandvillars
there was genuine regret on our part and on the part of the
villagers but c'est la guerre, the best of friends must part, so on
the 1 1 th of June we said not Au Revoir but Adieu, for we knew
that we would never again return to that garden spot where lived
God's noblest and best people.

We were now assigned to the 73rd Div. of 10th Army
and 34th Brigade. We reached Petit Nan Cois on Thursday,
1 2th of June, leaving on the 1 7th for Lignieres, each move bring-
ing us in closer range of the German guns and glory. On the
24th of June the regiment was ordered to the trenches in front
of St. Mihiel, that ancient Roman Fortress, where had been
fought innumerable bloody conflicts but destined to see its
bloodiest battle within the next three months.

It was on a Sunday afternoon, all day the distant guns
were heard 'booming away, sending their missiles of death and
destruction, tearing, lacerating and disemboweling France, the
garden spot of the world; the men were in fine fettle in anticipa-

Verdun-Argonne-Chateau Front

tion of a speedy victory; the Chaplain had them formed and they
joined him in singing their favorite hymn,

If Jesus goes with me I'll go anywhere,
'Tis heaven for me wherever I be if He is there,
I count it a privilege here His Cross to bear,
If Jesus goes with me I'll go anywhere.

after which he said "Fellows, you stand as pioneers on the
frontier of your Race's progress. If you fail the hands on the dial
of your Race's progress will be pushed back fifty years. The
whites over there are expecting you to fail because you are
officered by your Race men, now go to it and show them how,
when led by your own officers, you can and will charge hell with
a bucket of water."

They answered back, "Captain, we will make good and
return with honor or we will not return at all." In parting he
pronounced the benediction saying, "Fellows, rest assured that
Jesus is with you and fights on your side, and I want you to help

The Best Band in the A. E. F.
Lead by Lieut. G. Duff

make the German language the only language spoken in hell for
the next twenty-four hours," and they marched away with
heads up, firm tread and confidence that they had the Boche's
number, that they would make good or report to Jesus Christ
the reason why.

We occupied the trenches at St. Mihiel for a month and
learned the art of modern warfare that was destined to position

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

us to give a good account of ourselves and help us out of many
a tight place.

As the 1 st of July rolled around it became apparent that
the Germans were bent on pulling off some real stuff. Their
success along the entire Allied Front had emboldened them to
make a final try for their goal, Paris, before the Americans had
arrived in any sufficient large number to counterbalance the odds
they held over the Allies in man power — for be it remembered
that up until now the Germans did not give us credit for having
more than a mere handful of men in France.

They had hammered the British Front in Flanders and
the Somme to a pulp; they had pushed and bent the French line
around Rheims, Soissons, Champagne and Chateau Thierry to

>v •**&

I \

Captain Braddan in the Argonne

the cracking point — now for a final drive and Paris was theirs,
so reasoned the Germans but they reckoned without the million
Yankees, undrilled and unskilled as they were in modern war-
fare, yet they were hastened from the back areas to the front
line of defense by the thousands to stop bullets, shrapnel 55, 77,
2 1 0 — and eat gas and by sheer number, wave after wave going
forward, ever forward, undeterred, undismayed, thus by the
enormous number, if not by technical knowledge of modern
warfare, awing and disheartening the enemy, the beasts of
Germany, Ludendorff, Hindenburg and Wilhelm.

Of course we were chosen to be in the Big Scrap hence

Verdun-Argonne-Chateau Front

we were relieved from the St. Mihiel Front June 30th and rested
at Lignieres until July 5th, arriving at St. Esliet July 6th at which
place we detrained and marched to Rarecourt.

As we marched up on the Verdun, Argonne, Chateau
Thierry Front we passed hundreds of the civil population going
back of the lines, leaving all that they had save a few necessary
articles; homes that required a life time in building were hastily
deserted by order of the Commanding General for Hell was
to break loose within a fortnight and that particular front was
not to be very healthy for men to say nothing of women and
children. Out through Claremont, a once prosperous and
happy village, now a heap of ruins, reduced by the unerring shot
of the German gunner, up past the erstwhile beautiful Cathedral
where were wont to assemble on Holy Days devout, happy,
prosperous worshipers, past an ancient graveyard whose dead
had been shaken from the narrow confines of their grave, dug
up and exposed in all their ghastliness to the pitiless Sun's rays

and the ever-present crows on and on we marched and

thought what Devils of Hell these Germans must be to blazon
on their breastplates "Gott Mit Uns" and then desecrate God's
Temple, His very Own. Then -as I sat by the roadside to nurse
my swollen feet I cursed the ones who were the cause of all this
havoc, misery and destruction, my own discomfort and resolved
to carry on and see it through or not come back at all.

(The following letters were written from Lignieres St. Mihiel, and

Rarecourt — at the most crucial period of the war and the history of the
8th rechristened 370th U. S. Infantry.)

June 6, 1918
Beloved Church: —

After being interrupted two weeks ago while in the act
of writing you, I now find myself at leisure to drop a few lines,
with emphasis on Drop a few.

These friends of ours across the line (The Boche) have a
very crude conception of propriety; they don't pick their time to
call on you. If the wind is blowing your way, they will send a gas
bomb to your number and unless you are on the alert, you are
just a poor boy and the chaplain will have one more to report,
(La Mort) and some one over there will receive a check for the
next twenty years.

However, I am glad to state that at this writing, Berean's
service flag remains at it was when we left. Yes, other flags are
draped. Further than that I may not say, loved ones will tell you.

(51

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

Our boys are in fine shape and can be depended upon at every
angle of the game.

I know that you have heard of the splendid work being
done by the New York outfit, and wonder what's the matter
with the Eighth? Nothing. They are all right and ere you re-
ceive this you will have heard of their deeds; some with joy,
others with sorrow.

Last night 1 sat by the dim, uncertain, sputtering light of
a candle, reading a handful of mail that I had just received, the
second mail in two months, and as I sat thus, there carhe buzzing
into my memories a tune long since forgotten. I tried to separate
it from my thoughts, but like Banquo's Ghost, it would not down,
so I laid aside my letters, and allowed my thoughts to wander
in the dead past and see if the buzzing tune could receive some
kind of shape; and suddenly, out of those silent chambers, reach-
ing back some thirty-five years, there came floating to me a
sweet harmony of a long forgotten song. Some of you may
remember it, for I am sending it in this letter, for the first thing
the next morning, after humming it half through the night, I
found one of my band boys, John B. Forrester, (a dandy fellow
and an excellent musician), and as I hummed, he wrote the notes,
and then I tore a page from a soldier's diary and am sending it
to you in the shape of a song; not that it lays claim to originality
or intrinsic worth, but it expresses the inner life of one over
here, for one over there. I want you to keep this copy until I
return. I don't remember who your organist is, but I would
suggest that you get Pearl, Armell or Mrs. Helms to play this
music, and select some tenor to sing it.

In wondering about the 8th, as compared with the 15th
N. Y., remember the New York outfit was here three months
ahead of us, and wars are started and ended in less time than
that. Then remember again (if you have never thought of it)
Oh ! pshaw, no need to write what I started to write, for while
I am the censor here, there is one there and I know what would
happen, so the cerisor here (I) cut it out.

I make no excuse, for this regiment is the best ever,
and we have all sworn to prove this very fact or never return
to our home and loved ones. Now wait and see — nuff said.

I know you were disappointed in not receiving the
articles for the fair, so was I, for after spending a perfectly good
fifty franc note and mailing the articles I received a very nice
note to the effect that it could not be sent over-seas. So you
must take the will for the deed.

Verdun-Argonne-Chateau Front

Was sorry to hear of the passing of Sisters Jones and
Robinson. The loved ones left behind know that their pastor,
out here where Death is rampant, thought of them and prayed
God to give them strength.

I am pleased to hear of your steadfastness, devotion to
your church and faith in God. You are what I have always said,
"The Best Ever." Let me admonish you during the dark un-
certain days through which the nation and world must pass, be
true, be firm, be faithful, for many will be the trials and hard-
ships that you must endure as individuals and as a church, but
unto those who are faithful, will be given a crown of reward and
those who are not will have their punishment. Don't worry
over small matters and "old wives'" sayings. Let them alone,
they will feel better after awhile.

I wish I could mention the Berean boys individually and
what they are doing, but I cannot. However, they are all well.

In closing, I am sending my love and blessing to one and
all, reminding you that as soon as I can do so, I will return and
take up the broken threads of pastoral activities where this
World War compelled me to lay them down.

From your loving pastor,

Wm. S. Braddan,

Capt. and Chap., 370th Inf., A. E. F.
Amidst the Ruins of France,

June 20, 1918
Beloved Officers, Members and Congregation of Berean: —

With love and prayers I greet you, from a city that
has suffered much from the scourge of German Culture,
(Cruelty).

Since I last wrote you, we have traveled much. I think
I may tell you without any breach of military discipline, that
for several weeks we were quartered in one of the most beauti-
ful spots in France, just where the growing grain of Germany
and Switzerland bows to the rose gardens of France. As I looked
upon the Alps I have thought of Napoleon's dream of Empire,
as he said to his waiting legions, (who were destined to melt
before his foe like snow before the sun's steady glare), "Beyond
the Alps lies Rome," the eternal city of which he dreamed but
never conquered, so dreams he of the withered hand, (William
of Germany). He dreams of Paris, his objective, not that its
fall would give him any strategic advantage in this world strug-
gle, for it's London, Washington that must be taken ere Germany

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

can win this Titanic struggle — but ere he reaches Paris, he must
traverse fifty miles strewn with dead soldiers, the flower of the
French, British and American Armies. He must ford a sea of
blood drawn from the veins of millions of men who know no
fear, whose slogan is "They shall not pass," until we report to
the Commander-in-Chief of all the Armies, even Jesus Christ.
You then ask me why the drive on Paris? He hopes thus,
in despoiling Paris, the pride of every Frenchman, to crush their
spirit and demoralize the morale of the army. But it can't be
done, for Uncle Sam is sending men with rich red blood, bouyant
spirit and courage to take the place of every faint-hearted Poilu,
but take it from me, the French people will never lay down to
those German devils.

During the past days we have left our first billet where
we made so many friends, (we were the first American soldiers
in that section). For several days I have looked upon the ruins
of city and village, one after another. I have seen great com-
mercial centers where thousands were wont to go about their
avocations of life, with laughter and melody. But the factory
and mill are now crumbling mortar and falling stone, the people
are gone or dead — dead at the hands of the devils in human
guise.

I have found myself dreaming as I have stood before
magnificent homes, dreaming of happy throngs that were wont
to fill these deserted chambers — men of renown and women
of culture, who were compelled to flee, leaving the unfinished
meal on the festive board, only to be devoured by the oncoming
wolves of Wilhelm. As I have listened to the refugees relate
their sad experience at the hand of the Teutons, I have said.
"Won't that devil get his when pay day comes?" When the
dead pass, with the millions slain at his behest, the innocent
children, helpless women and ruined cities lift the chalice of
Dame Nature to his blanched lips, methinks that he will wave
his withered hand in vain endeavor to push the cup of damnation
aside, for he must drink it to the last and bitterest dreg, which
will be his complete defeat. For whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he reap. TKe Mills of God grind slowly, but Germany
will find to her sorrow, that they grind exceedingly small.

Enough, for words are inadequate to express the de-
vastation wrought by that imp of hell, and this pencil too short
(were it a mile long) to write what beautiful France and her
noble people have suffered.

I am sending you some films. Have the photos made

Verdun-Argonne-Chateau Front

and save the films for me. Use the photos to the best interest
of the church and just as you see fit.

You will wonder why the French uniform or equipment.
Draw your own conclusions. We are perfectly happy, as much
so as is possible to be under the circumstances. It's a joke to see
a certain captain trying to master French verbs at forty and six.
But it must be done, when everywhere you go it's, "Moi non par-
la vou Englash," I dare you to read it, Ha! Ha! "Vous parlavos
Francia." (Once more it's up to Neta to translate, for I can't).

Berean boys are all on the job and well. Two of them
got lost several days ago, through their own follies, they had my
wagon and everything in the line of clothing I had. Instead of
waiting orders to move, they drove off. Of course, they got on
the wrong road and were under shell fire for they were within
three miles of the trenches. No, I wont tell who they were and
how they got out of the wagon and debated whether to help the
horse or not. They are wiser men, 'for when they got in camp
seven hours later they said, "Capt., never again, will we leave
until you say 'Forward.'

I am expecting to see you soon, but until then, I shall
expect every one to do their full duty toward God, humanity and
the church that we all love so well.

Pray for us, and for the speedy termination of this War.

With love to you all,

Your loving pastor,

W. S. Braddan,
Capt. and Chap., 370th Inf., Amex. F.

On the 9th of July Col. Dennison was ordered to move
with the 36th French Division to the Chateau Thierry Front;
his characteristic reply was to the effect that his men were not
competent to take over a sector on such an important front, that
they were neither American nor French soldiers, being in a
transitory state; having been deprived of American equipment
and without sufficient time to master the French equipment
they were therefore not half as good as an American or French
soldier.

We were left at Rarecourt while the French Division
went to the front.

Now began the travail of our soul for Col. T. A. Roberts,
who had trailed the regiment like a vulture seeks the offal,
showed up in an A. E. F. touring car fresh from G. H. Q.

I had seen him the night before and had remarked to my

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

friend Major J. White, "I like not a lean man of such a beetle-like
visage; he means us not well." "What can he do?" Jim asked.
"Everything. Don't you know that he is from G. H. Q. and
he and Pershing are bosom friends? Jim, there's something
rotten up the creek, some dirty work is going to be pulled off."
"Oh, forget it" was his rejoinder, "they wouldn't dare try to pull
anything off on us."

"Well, they dare to and can do anything in this man's
army and make you like it."

The next morning, July 11,1 was stopped by this person,
Roberts, who began by saying, "Captain, I hear that you are an
old 10th Cavalry man."

"I am, Sir."

Pals in War as in Peace
The Chaplain and his friend, Major J. R. White

"So am I," was his reply. "Say Captain, don't you
think Col. Dennison is a very sick man?"

"No Sir."

"Well I do. He is simply worked down, he has no
support, he has to carry the entire regiment, don't he?"

"Who said so?" I rejoined.

"I am asking you."

Then I replied, "He has the support of every officer in
the regiment."

Verdun-Argonne-Chateau Front

"What kind of Captains have you, are they any good,
will they stand up under fire?"
"I should say they will!"

"What about the Majors?" was his next query.
"They are 14k; the best officers in the regiment" I shot
back.

"Well" said he, "I have recommended that your Colonel
be relieved in order to take some needed rest."

I saluted this Modern Judas and as I rode across to Juvin-
court with Jim I said, "Well, old timer, it's all up with us; that
for which we left home and loved ones is about to be taken
from us; once that a white Colonel gets in command it's good-
by to all spade officers."

"Sing them," was his reply. "But why worry Braddan,
that will never happen. The state of Illinois would never stand
for it."

"But does it occur to you that we are in this man's army
and five thousand miles from the Dear Old State of Illinois?"
The next A. M., July 1 2, before the general herd was up,
one of the boys slipped away from the officers and brought me a
copy of a telegram from General Headquarters to the effect that
Col. F. A. Dennison will report to General Headquarters and
Col. T. A. Roberts will assume temporary command.

The first official act of an incoming official is always
watched with interest for it serves as a basis upon which to build
future expectations.

So it was with keen interest and feverish anxiety that
I watched for Order No. 1 . We did not have long to wait.
There was at that time at Rarecourt a cafe over which were
quartered two French women of easy virtue. Col. Dennison had
placed guards at the place in question with instruction not to
permit any soldier of the 370th to enter.

This was a precautionary measure to safeguard the health
of the men. Roberts had said to the Chaplain, "I hear that
your former Colonel objects to men drinking wine." I answered,
"No, sir, you have been misinformed." "Then why have guards
been placed at that cafe?" The Chaplain explained it, as
above stated. Roberts answered, "Well I will have an order
issued removing the guards and giving the men free access there-
in."

This then was his first official act and what did it mean?
That his purpose was to ingratiate himself into the favor of the

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

men; this being done, according to his reasoning, he could better
get rid of the Negro Officers at the psychological moment.

But the wisdom of Dennison and the lack of knowledge
on the part of Roberts was shown when the Cafe* in question was
put "off limits" by the French Commander upon the recommen-
dation of the Chief Surgeon of the French Army.

Amex., July 10, 1918
Beloved in the Lord:

I great you from afar, while I am absent in body, I am
ever present in spirit. Never a day or night, no matter how
strenuous or filled with anxiety, but that I make mention of
you in prayer.

Because of numerous letters received relative to loved
ones over here, I must use this means of communicating with
some of my most intimate friends relative to their loved ones.

First, it will not be possible to send tobacco over here,
as we are issuing to the men, every ten days, a certain amount of
the same. This is done by the Government as part of a soldier's
rations. Of course the officers must hustle for theirs; failing
in this, they are lost sailors, as we say. Mention especially that
Buddy (Rabt. ) Jones is quite well, and has written often.
Sonny Washington likewise. Rev. Haywood's son is well and
promoted to Corporal. Sgt. Rufus Newman is fat and sassy,
has written a whole flock of letters to Clara. Tell her I am glad
something made her think of her old pastor, also Emmagean
Jones. Hundley is also well. Loved ones must be patient as
mail comes slowly, (every three weeks), and after it reaches
Paris, it lays around for quite a while. I have gone four and
five weeks without receiving a line, and then when the mail
finally reached me, it was a matter of fifty or sixty letters. I
wish I could answer them singly, but simply cannot. I
haven't opened my trunk in three weeks. Just hopping from one
place to another, take your war map of France, begin at the
point where Switzerland kisses France and put your finger on
the important places in Alsace and say, "my pastor was there,"
then up into Lorraine, and say, "here also." Now I am on my
way, having left Lorraine, where to I may not tell at this writing.

A week has passed since I began this letter, in the mean-
time we have been on the go, and believe me, it has been some
go. We are preparing for the big drive, the one that 'tis hoped
and expected will prove the pivotal point in this bloody conflict.
Ere you receive this, methinks that the civilized world will stand

Verdun-Argonne-Chateau Front

aghast at the carnage and blood spilt in the interest of humanity.
It must be done, the devils in human guise must be crushed once
for all and we feel that the Allies have the trump card up their
sleeve. The "Allemand" has played his last card. We will
have played ours ere this letter reaches you. The despised
Italian has virtually crushed Austria and thereby taken the wind
out of Germany's sails.

For days inhabitants have been evacuating village after
village. Homes around whose fireplace happy families were
wont to sit, talking of the past and planning for the future, now
resound with the laughter and jokes of American and French
soldiers. I have seen caravans of women and children, old men

A Good Pair to Draw To
Chaplains Braddan and Clemmons (Since Deceased)

and old women, trudging down long winding roads that wind
their way around the base of lordly hills, like a thread of silver,
pulling in improvised carts, all that is left of their earthly
possessions. Homes, that required a life-time to posses, are
thus left tearfully behind.

Gardens filled with everything from strawberries to
potatoes, great fields of grain, white to harvest, are all left —
spade or matlock left sticking in the half upturned sod, every-
thing left save the happy children playing and pulling at the
skirts of the heart-broken mother, whose husband is at the front;
all moving back of the zone of fire. Yes, and praise God, it's

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

to be a fire this time, before which other battles will pall, a
fire that will consume Kaiserism root and branch, for here fight
side by side, the matchless French, the diplomatic British, the
fearless American, the dauntless Canadian, the heavy and brave
Australian; the flower of every noble nation under the sun, and
we have all raised our strong right foot and at a given time, we
are to give a concerted kick right where the Kaiser rests and it's
going to be so forcible and direct that it will make his grand-
children jump. For he has made our winters heatless, our coffee
sweetless, our meals meatless, our pants seatless. Gee, how we
hate the Kaiser.

After this drive I will write you relative to my home-
coming. I could not write relative to it last month as we were
not in the last drive, but we are between that devil Hindenburg
and Paris this time and the boys say he shall not pass and if he
does, we will all report to Jesus the reason why.

Love to all. I am confident that with your prayers and
the grace of God and our artillery, machine guns, trench mortars,
and determination, we will make German the popular language
spoken in Hell. Pray for the Allies, that after the victory, they
forget not the one race that fights with them, but who enjoys
Democracy in theory only.

Your loving Pastor,

W. S. Braddan,
Chaplain, 370th Inf.

Roberts in the Saddle

CHAPTER IX

Roberts in the Saddle.

OL. T. ROBERTS, the arch enemy, vilifier and traducer
of the Negro soldier, the one who delighted to sign
his private mail as coming from "The White Hope
in a Black Regiment" took temporary command of
the regiment on the 12th day of July, 1918 at Rare-
court. At this time we were attached to the 36th
Div. of the 1 Oth French Army. The Germans were hammering;
away in their struggle to reach Paris in August. The Intelligence
Department had the information that Ludendorff purposed to
push his army through the Verdun, Argonne, Chateau Thierry
front and thus gain his objective; we were held in reserve at
Rarecourt.

11:45 P. M., Sunday, July 14, will be long remembered
by our men for hell broke loose all along the front with heavy
artillery preparation on the part of the Germans. Monday,
July 1 5, we were ordered to change our position with Regimental
Headquarters and 3rd Battalion under Major Williams at
Veraincourt. Major Chas. Hunt (that splendid soldier and dis-
ciplinarian who suffered untold humiliation at the hand of Col.
Roberts) was ordered to take up a position with his 2nd Battalion
in the Argonne, being the first Americans to hold this position,
•while Major Rufus Stokes, commanding the 1st Battalion took
up his position at Hermont. Thus the stage was all well set and
the men were on tip-toe with eagerness to "Carry on" and spoil
Ludendorff's dream of entering Paris for they were between him
and his coveted goal and declared that he and his hoard of
cutthroats, ravishers of women, despoilers of homes and icono-
clasts of civilization should not pass, and if they did it would be
only after the men of the "Old 8th" had reported to Jesus
Christ the reason why.

Bear in mind that as your boys were the first American
soldiers before St. Mihiel so also they were the first in this
sector of the Argonne and Verdun front standing as a wall of
granite to resist the oncoming tide of Prussianism.

'Twas here we lost our first man, Private Robert Lee
of M. G. Co. 2, killed in action by the enemy July !4tK,

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

buried at Veraincourt. Yes we lost others by disease and
accident prior to this date, i. e., Sgt. Norman Roberts, Co. E.,
being the first to make the supreme sacrifice having died at
Morvilla, May 16, 1918, buried at the same place. Then the
spirit of Pvt. Wilbur Mosbey went west from Bazancourt June
3rd, buried where he passed out.

'Twas while here that Roberts began to pull off his dirty
work. Captain B. Pinckney, a splendid gentleman and officer,
was called on the carpet by his Commander who told him that
he feared that he (Pinckney) could not stand the rigors of
French warfare and that he had recommended him for re-
classification at Blois — Blois, a place of a thousand wrecked
ambitions, a nightmare, hideous and grotesque; a place that
reeked with injustice and intrigue where a few coffee coolers
broke the spirit and ambition of their betters, where a lot of
underlings working at the instigation of men higher up, stultified
the manhood and wrecked the future of hundreds of splendid
men — Blois, where prejudice was as rampant as in Rome, Ga.
Capt. Ben, as he was affectionately called, left us August 9th for
Blois, and thus began the disintegration of the "Old 8th."

On the 1 6th of August without having taken part in
any important engagements, we were ordered to move forward.
The Germans were falling back on a fifty mile front and our
regiment was deemed fit to take over any sector on the battle
front. In fact the French High Officials had given us a clean
bill of health and declared the "8th" to be in fine fettle and
ready for a fight of any intensity. Of course we were proud to
know that they had realized what we had known for years, that
if this regiment were let alone and permitted to fight under
their Own Race Officers that they would charge hell with a
bucket of water and extinguish the hottest blaze that the imps
of Hades might kindle.

Resting at Com-Clairchenes the night of August 1 6 we
loaded' the outfit and pulled out for an unknown place at the
Zero Hour, August 1 7th. "Where do we go from here Boys"
is a phrase that will always be remembered by the "Boys of the
8th." Always moving but just wouldn't know where to. It
developed that we were headed for Fains, three kilos from
Bar-le-Duc.

Oh! Boy! what a glorious feeling just to know that after
three months at the front where we had seen nothing but
soldiers, devasted cities, a disemboweled shell-pitted terrene,
where we had been lulled to sleep by the rat-ta-tat-ta of the

Roberts in the Saddle

busy machine guns and the booming and bursting of 55's and
75*s as they went screaming, "y°u ain't going back to Bam,
where we never saw a Mile., we were at last to be given one last
chance to rub up against civilization, to stroll down the great
white way in Bar-le-Duc and quaff the nectar of French hos-
pitality.

On Sunday, Sept. 1st, 9:00 A. M, the question went the
rounds "Where do we go from here, Boys" — (Cen-firie-en) it
makes no difference was the answer of three thousand men as
they swung and adjusted their packs, shouldered arms and
started upon the first legs of what was destined to be the most
momentous engagement, and the one that was to be crowned
with victory, wounds, privation, suffering and death.

We arrived at Betz at 4 A. M. the next day after having our
troop train pursued by a German bombing "plane as far as
Chateau Thierry. We marched over to Mareuil, 1 4 kilos, and
at 1 :30 were billeted where less than three weeks before the
Germans had knocked for admittance, from which town the
civil population had departed in haste for fear of the Germans,
and were only then returning.

During the twelve days' stay at this place events big with
significance to the Negro Race and the "8th" took place for
'twas here that Roberts began to dismember the regiment and
to pave the way to induct white officers into this regiment that
had endured for twenty-four years as a 100% Negro organiza-
tion.

Major Chas. Hunt who had grown gray in efficient service
was relieved of command and sent back to Blois for reclassi-
fication where he was demoted to the grade of Captain; Major
A. Williams, a brave and fearless officer, one who had served
his country long and well, went by the same route being also
demoted to Captain; Captain C. Hill who was loved by all
followed on their heels; Captain J. H. Patton was relieved as
Regt. Adjt., Lieut. B. Phillips being appointed in his stead, and
given command of Hunt's Battalion; Lieut. Col. O. B. Duncan
was relieved from command of the Replacement Camp and
placed in charge of Williams' Battalion. But you say, wherein
am I justified in saying that Roberts was handing the regiment
a raw deal? Wait and see.

Officers and men became restive and chagrinned, here and
there little knots of officers and soldiers could be seen in earnest
conversation and the burden of their talk was "What's coming off;
is it the purpose of this hard boiled egg to slip a bunch of white

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

majors over on us?" "Oh, No!" said the bootlicker, "Patt's with
the 2nd, Stokes is with the 1st and Duncan is with the 3rd."

But why put a perfectly good Lieut. Col. in command of
a battalion when you have a dozen captains eligible for pro-
motion to that grade?

Well, thereby hangs a tale. The dissatisfaction became so
marked, the murmuring so loud, that the Chaplain was ap-
proached by several men and officers and asked his opinion.
He promised to confer with them the next day; in the meantime
he sought out Col. O. B. Duncan, a splendid fellow — a soldier
and officer, and a brave commander. After warning him of
the spreading discontent on the part of the officers and men
Duncan's advice and opinion were sought as what was best to
do and advise. His answer was, "Tell the officers to sit tight,
that everything would come out O. K., that the name of three
captains had been recommended, that the old man would follow
his advice."

But the very next day a message was sent over Roberts'
signature in substance "If it is the policy of the A. E. F. to
appoint Negro Majors, I would recommend that Capt. J. H.
Patton be appointed Major, but he is the only one in the
regiment I can so recommend." Can you beat it? Here is a
man who had been with the regiment two months sitting in
judgment as to the efficiency of men and officers who had been
in the regiment twenty years. This, contrary to the advice of
his Lieut Col., a man who was absolutely impartial in judgment
when it came to military efficiency, one who was loved and
honored by the entire regiment.

Keep in mind the wording of the message referred to as
it was sent to G. H. Q. Remember that Captain J. H. Patton
returned to his home and loved ones eight months later still a
captain — then wake up and draw a sensible conclusion. It was
not the policy of the A. E. F. to promote a Negro above the
grade of Captain.

Amex, July 2, 1918
(Veraincourt)

Dear Officers, Members and Friends of Berean:

I have just received, through our very efficient correS'
pondent, Sister Adkins, the monthly report for May, and it is
(true blue) and it gave me much pleasure to note your stead-
fastness. Send at once your report for June and July.

Roberts in the Saddle

It is needless for me to write of my deep grief and sur-
prise to hear of the passing of the gentle spirit of Deacon Davis,
he has passed to be with Jesus but his life will endure long after
Berean's veterans have fallen asleep.

I was equally surprised to hear of the passing of Sister
Walker, a Christian of excellent character, and so it goes, one
passes and another comes upon the scenes. So must it be until
our Saviour comes — Amen.

When last I wrote you I was passing through the same
village that has stood the ravage of time and the brunt of War
for two hundred years. At that time we had just emerged from
the region of Alsace where we left the bodies of two comrades,
upon the green sun-kissed hill where nods a field of daisies there
to await their final call to judgment. It was from this place
that we went last month to occupy a position beneath the
frowning Citadel of a Roman fort now occupied by the
"Allemand, Germans" (St. Mihiel).

It was at the close of a beautiful Sabbath (all days are
the same out here; it's hard indeed to tell one from the other)
when orders were received by our regiment to relieve a certain
French unit that was to evacuate the trenches (you must know
that we are with a French and not an American division) . The men
were alert, fully equipped ready for their march, I heard their
Chaplain say, "fellows, the folks at home, your •wives, mother,
sweethearts and children, and children's children, are looking
down upon you this eve, they are betting on your ability, your
heroism and manhood. As you go forward to-night be all guts
and no bowels, get the goods and bring it back or don't come
back at all. Then they sang their battle song, "If Jesus goes
with me." After which the Chaplain concluded "Jesus is with
you and I want you to give the Germans hell from the Jump and
make the German language the only language spoken in Hell
for the next forty eight hours. Then they swung out of this
village grim, silent, determined amidst the shouts of Vive
Americains, Vive France, from the lips and hearts of the villagers.
During the entire period of their stay at the front I heard not
a word of complaint; though they were under fire constantly
I saw no fear. I heard this remark, "If my brown in Chi. could
see me now," and I have answered, "yes, and if she did she
wouldn't know you." For believe me while they are all well they
would not look good on State Street for they are as rough as
pig iron.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

While at the place referred to I picked up several things
of great historical value that will one day be the property of
Berean, one article for which I was offered 1500 francs. I can-
not tell you what it is or from where it came, only that it is from
an ancient Cathedral that was destroyed by a German shell.

We are now resting (resta ici) here for a few days and
we will have not only left the Alsace, but Lorraine Sector as well,
we leave one here to await his final summons. Berean reports,
all well and accounted for. Thank God. Now we go, into the
world's melting pot where men of every nation and station fight
shoulder to shoulder against a foe cruel, relentless and resourceful,
but who is sure of defeat for the hand of Justice has written
"weighed in God's scale of mercy and civilization and found
wanting." His days are numbered. You may not know that of all
the fighting forces over here there are but four of ours, there are
but three Chaplains, all Lieutenants save one.

I greet you with love, faith and hope trusting, hoping,
praying and knowing that you will make good. Assuring you
that I will be proud of the old 8th.

From your pastor,

Capt. W. S. Braddan,

Chap. 370th Inf.
Amex Forces,

July 18 /1 8.
Beloved in the Lord: —

I think of you at all times with love and confidence in
your integrity, faith and devotion to your God and your church.

Long ere your receive this letter the decisive battle of
this great world struggle will have been fought, and won by
the allied forces, who are even now engaged in a titanic struggle
along a front of some sixty miles. Even as I write you, the big
guns are booming, sending their missiles of death to thousands
whose bodies will be fertilizer for the fields of daisies and poppies
that grow in profusion upon the- fields of battle. For in the fields
of Flanders grow between the crosses, (head marks of dead
soldiers), row on row, poppies, while in the sky the larks, still
bravely singing, fly, unheard, amidst the guns.

You have read how that Sunday, July 14th, at 1 1:30,
the Germans started, in desperation, their third drive toward
Paris and what will prove, ere the last of this month, their ulti-
mate defeat. That national holiday, Sunday, July 14th, had
been a beautiful day. France, with the assistance of her allies,

Roberts in the Saddle

had planned a gala day and had carried it out as planned, not-
withstanding that every huma.n knew full well that ere mid-
night the sullen guns of the Germans and their horde of minion
soldiers, that had been assembling and preparing for a month,
would start on schedule, this (what we all believe to be their
last), big offensive.

That morning I had said to Colonel Roberts, our new
commander (yes, the old eighth is under the command of a
white colonel, for the first time, Col. Dennison, who has been
ill ever since we took ship for France, having been ordered,
July 1 2th, to General Headquarters of the A. E. F. What do
I think of it? I'll not answer that save by saying that your pastor
has been a soldier for twenty-four years. I expressed myself
along these lines ere I left Chicago, nuff said, for what I said then
goes now), Col., I don't think I will accompany you to the fete
to-day, for I had rather go out to the trenches and see the boys.
His answer was, "Can't you send your assistant Chaplain?"
(yes, I have an assistant, an innocent, frightened little fellow,
who throws a fit every time he hears a gun fired and hugs the
ground every time a shell bursts) . I told him yesterday if he
didn't stop jumping he would develop a curved spine or St. Vitus
dance. That Sunday I felt constrained to visit the men and
prepare them for what was coming. I had a heart to heart talk
with them, told them that it was Hindenburg's purpose to break
through their line and go to Paris. I told them that there was only
one route by which we should let him go to Paris and that was
by the way of Hell. They quite agreed. This is the third day
of his attempt and he hasn't even dented our line, even though he
has been hammering it with hundred pounders ever since Sunday.

I am happy to report the Berean boys are all well at this
writing. The old man (as they whisper when they see me ap-
proaching), has been just the least bit out of sorts for several
days, but will be as good as new long ere you receive this.

Just now I am quartered in an old baronial mansion, the
walls whose wont it was to screen the nobility of Europe. It
is at present given over to the officers of our regiment. As I
sit writing this letter my mind harks back to the time when a
certain king was wont to visit his son and royal family in this
place, once shaken with mirth and laughter of royalty, but now
seared, scarred and shaken by the big shells as they burst over its
stately roof. When pay day comes for that imp of hell (the
Kaiser, and the dead past rises and points an accusing finger

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

at him, methinks that he will tremble in every nerve cell in his
misshapen body.

If you could but follow in the wake of his army of destruc-
tion and see schools, churches, villages and cities, rich in historical
grandeur, destroyed, decimated, even grave-yards polluted,
you would say with me, by all means allow the Kaiser's army
to go to Paris, but let it be by the way of hell.

When next I write you, I hope to be able to tell you of
my home-coming. I must close at this point, business is picking
up. I can't write and think of where the next bomb is going
to strike. Pray for our victory and final return. Would like to
tell you of the 1 5th New York and what it is doing with four
Negro officers out of ninety. One came to us this week. Nuff
said.

Your loving pastor,
Wm. S. Braddan,
Capt. and Chap., 370th Inf., Amex. France

The following Letter was written from Veraincourt.

Amexforces, July 23, 1918.
Dear Netta:

(Tell the big boy to let this pass his Censorship) — Vous
one bone Corresponda — no I'll not tell you what that bad French
means.

Your letters are always acceptable, and read and studied
with great pleasure. The May report was duly read, also your
last relative to the Bazaar — I am prouder each day of Berean,
its Officers, Members and Friends, and I am looking forward to
the time of my return with pleasure and joy.

I have never doubted the ability of the Officers to carry
on the Church work in my absence, nor the Loyalty of the mem-
bers to follow. While the others may and did question it, I
have felt if after eighteen years of Ministry I had failed to impart
instruction and inspiration sufficient to produce leaders, then
I had failed at the most important point of my work.

I wish that I could say just the month, day and week I
can return, but I cannot at this writing, as all our thoughts are
centered just now on keeping up with the Kaiser (who's on the
run) until we chase him to Berlin, then we will beard him in
his den.

While you have read of our splendid success in the drive
that started June 1 4th, you will be pleased to know that we

Roberts in the Saddle

are in the Zone of Battle. We are not fighting with the American
Army — We (the four Negro Regiments, 8th 111., 1 5th N. Y., 371 st
and 372nd Southern) — are with the French Army; the 8th is
under one of the most splendid French Generals at the Front.
You will be interested to know that of the hundred
thousand Negroes of which you read as being under Arms, there
are not twenty-five thousand really under Arms; but are Steve-
dores, twelve thousand (those refered to above) are the only
ones engaged at present. There are six Chaplains at the Front
(1st Lieuts). It seems to me that the Ministers over there have
a good flow of language and cheap line of bunk (their patriotic
talks to young men of the draft age) but when it comes to
action they develop a case of cold feet; otherwise why are they
allowing these thousands of Race Men to come three thousand
miles across the Atlantic without any Chaplains and in one case
White Chaplains — we haven't Chaplains enough to go around.
Wake up my loud mouth patriotic race-loving preachers and kick
in — the Submarine won't get you coming across nor the Boche
when you get here for you are heap too swift of foot. Ha ha! I
was thinking of three certain Pastors in dear old Chi. when I
wrote that. Give them my love and tell them it would do them
(and their Congregation) a world of good to spend six months
over here.

It has been so long since I have seen a woman that I
am quite sure I will not know just how to greet the fair Md-slls
when I go to Paris, Nice, Versailles and Bordeaux; but it's a
bet that I will soon learn how to greet them — as I hope to spend
ten days (my permission period) there.

I think I may write now with perfect freedom — of my
itinerary. We arrived at Brest (twenty-one days after we had
sailed from Newport News where we had laid on a sand bar from
April 6th to the 9th) ; for twenty-one days five thousand of us
afloat the good ship, The President Grant (whose sister ship,
The President Lincoln, went down on her return trip), were con-
stantly on tip-toe watching for over exaggerated dread sub-
marine, nine days out a tan-ker was sunk five miles to our Wind-
ward, the next day a Whale was sighted, it looked like a Sub al-
right and quicker than takes to tell it a shot sounded from our for-
ward gun and Mr. Whale was no more. Twice every day we had

"Abandon Ship Drill," a precautionary measure each man or

group of men were assigned to a certain raft or life boat, mine
was boat "13" and many were the jokes from the Officers
relative to my boat number. There was a standing bet that

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

no human could beat the Chaplain to his Life Boat Station, at
Abandon Ship Drill. One morning about three bells the signal
sounded, (during the night before, Sheeney, my boy orderly
had mislaid my Life Belt), say if there wasn't some tall scram-
bling in that stateroom No. 23. Major J. R. White, with whom
I shared the said room, was sleeping like a log in blissful
ignorance of the call, I eased his Life Belt from under his head
and made a dive for the Life Boat leaving him to find mine
as best he could. The laugh was on him for having hid my
shoes on a former occasion making it necessary for me to make
the drill in my sock feet.

Arriving at Brest we marched to Pontanuzon Barracks

here where Napoleon's pet regiments were quartered in the 1 7th
Century. After resting there three days we took train to southern
France, passing through the most beautiful and prosperous sec-
tions of this poor bleeding man ridden country. After four
days aboard the train, the coaches not being as large as the
State Street Cars — we arrived' at Grandvillars — right where
Germany embraces Switzerland and France looks on hard by.
'Twas here that we engratiated ourselves with the love of these
people, who had never seen an American Soldier, 'twas here
that some of our men fell willing victims to cupid and married
even though they knew no more about the French language than
I do about an Aeroplane. How did they do it, search me — it's
too deep for me to understand. All that I do know is that they
wandered over hill and dell holding hands and grinning (a
universal language) at each other. It was here that we broke
into the French Press, and Illustrated Weekly, after being fully
equipped with French Uniforms. After six weeks training we
were ordered to the Front. We left many a sad Md-slle to
lament our going. Passing through Epernay, we left Nice at our
back and landed at Nan Cois Le Petite, two days later. Hardly
had we settled there before we were ordered North East and
after a heart-breaking march through mud and over hills we
arrived at Lignieres, a place that suffered much at the hands of
the Heathen Huns. "Twas here that we unlimbered and oiled
our guns for action, for everything (the sullen roaring of the
aircraft guns), all pointed to the long expected and desired
trenches. The signs did not lie for just as the Sun fixed its
brim into the Western Ocean our Boys (brave and fearless,
as they are devilish) were lined up for the Chaplain's Message,
and after singing their song they were off, heads erect, un-
daunted, and unafraid; to receive their first Baptism of Fire— —

Roberts in the Saddle

I followed two days later to our place opposite St. Mihiel, the
place where fought the Romans long ago. The Germans now
occupy that Ancient Fort; after two weeks stay we were ordered
to leave and proceed to this point where we are now in reserve
backing up those who fight at Verdun and Soissons Sectors.
Tell Chi. and Illinois to have no fear, that her boys will make
good. They are doing splendid amidst this Hell of Artillery
and Machine Gun Fire, they laugh and joke as if they were at
home.

About the only thing that gets their goat is this Gas. Say
it gets us all to be awakened all hours of the night with "Gas
Alert," then to feel around in the dark to find your Gas Mask
and put it on before you are put off watch. And to see us after
we get the Mask on and get in line — it's a Ghostly, Ghostly
Group.

You have read of our splendid success in pushing the
Germans back — we have them on the run now and hope to push
them back, back, back until we push them into Berlin. Pray
for us and our success and 'twill not be long before we float the
briny deep upon our return to home and loved ones.

Until then Believe me to be your loving pastor,

William S. Braddan,
Capt. and Chaplain, 370th U. S. Inf.
Amex. Forces.

Robert F. Lee, the first member of the
370th, to fall under fire.

HEADQUARTERS, 370th U. S. INFANTRY

36th Division France July 25, 1918.

H. C
No 823/3

To the Colonel, Officers, and Men of 370th R. I. U. S.

A soldier of the 370th R. I. U. S. has fallen to-day, 24th
of July, facing the enemy at outposts.

He is the first soldier of the 370th R. I. U. S. giving his
life in the ranks of the Division.

This unfortunate tightens one more the friendship between
French and American soldiers.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

The General in Command of the 36th Division hopes the
fine 370th Regt. R. I. U. S. will stay definitely with the 36th
Division and soon have the occasion to co-operate brilliantly
with the French troops and revenge the comrade they lose to-
day.

General in Command, 36th Division, D. I.

Headquarters, 3rd M. G., 370th Infantry

Special Orders France. July 26, 1918

No. 2

1 . The Funeral of the late Private Robert E. Lee, Co. E,
(Mach. Gun Co. No. 2) 370th Infantry, A. E. F., will take place
at 3:00 P. M. to-day, July 26, 1918.

2. The Commanding Officer, Company "M," will furnish
the necessary Funeral escort consisting of 1 full squad of 8 men
commanded by a Corporal.

3. The Commanding Officer of Company "L" will furnish
6 Privates who will act as Pall-laearers.

4. The ceremony will be conducted as prescribed in par.
739 I. D. B., 1911.

5. Chaplain William S. Braddan is charged with arranging
all other necessary details.

Copies Furnished, $v order of Major Williams

C' ' "L>" George Murphy

in
File 1st Lieut., A. Co., Adjt., 370th Infantry

Copy of Letter sent to the Mother of Robert E. Lee, the first man of
the Regiment to fall in Battle in France.

Headquarters, 370th Infantry

France. July 25, 1918

Dear Madam: —

It is my proud although painful duty to inform you of
your Dear Boy: Robert E. Lee fell in line of duty facing the
enemy yesterday, July the 24th, 1918.

You have the very proud distinction of being the first
whose son died under fire in the 370th Infantry.

I buried him to-day, amidst a field of Poppies and Daisies
— 'Tis one year ago this very day that we were called into the
service.

Robert was an excellent soldier and a good boy, always
smiling and cheerful — I am proud to have known him.

Roberts in the Saddle

The General, his Staff, and Our Colonel and his Staff
were present at the service 1 mention this because it is an un-
usual compliment.

I also have a copy of an order from General Head-
quarters of our Division relative to Robert's death that I shall
keep but will be glad to show you when I return.

Until then believe me to be in deep sympathy with you.

William S. Braddan,
Capt. and Chaplain, 370th Infantry

Amex. Forces,
Beloved Church: — August 19, 1918

Six weeks have passed since last I wrote you, six weeks
of the most trying, heart-breaking, history-making times, a
period Riled with nerve-racking experience, a period during
which a million men of the Amex. have been on tip-toes, ex-
pecting every hour to be ordered into that burning hell of
activity. None dreaded it; all were anxious to take their turn,
believing that their regiment was the one that would turn the
trick. Well, it's a matter of history now, that the trick was
successfully turned June 1 8th, just four days after the heathen
Huns had polished their brass belt plates that bear the sacri-
legious inscription, "God is with us," four days after they started
to Paris to rape the helpless women, destroy property, desecrate
church edifices and terrorize children — just four days later we
had spoiled their plans and they were trekking back toward Berlin
as fast as their tired legs could carry them. I don't want you
to think that this counter drive of ours that pushed them back
thirty miles, over a front of fifty miles, was accomplished with-
out a tremendous struggle or heart-racking loss on our side.
The casualty list will tell you the cost, but to use a French
phrase, "C'est la Guerre," (This is War), we won, they lost,
and so we will continue to win (in God's name) and they
to lose until the house of Prussia falls and upon its ruins is
built a strong, enduring Democracy.

We arrived at this quaint, quiet village yesterday, (Sun-
day, Aug. 18th), here to rest and enjoy life for two days, then
back to the trenches. "C'est la Guerre" (This is War).

1 spent an enjoyable day in Bar-le-Duc yesterday, and
sure did have a splendid meal of snails and everything that goes
with it. If you have never eaten any of these slow creatures,
you have missed a treat.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

Since I last wrote you, not only Col. Dennison but Capt.
Pinckney, Lieuts. Shuck and Mars as well, have partie'd. We
have received the last officer of color from the 1 5th N. Y.,
so it goes. The N. Y. is now officered by Blanch (white)
officers. It's heart-breaking to see what is being pulled off
over here, but C'est la Guerre, this is war.

I don't want you to have any meeting, protesting against
this, that or the other thing as pertaining to soldiers over here,
for you know nothing about it save what you read in the papers,
or from the letters of hysterical soldiers. There are officers
over here who know their rights and the rights of their men, and
have the ability and guts to contend for the same. The last
protest that was held over there relative to the race soldiers
being sent to the danger zone was ridiculous in view of the fact
that we were all more or less in Southern France in training
Now to warn you.

It's a safe bet that ere your receive this, we will be
formed into a division, and be used as shock troops, that is,
lead the charge against the enemy and after drawing their fire,
retire. This we will do three or four days, then retire to the
rear, rest for two days, re-plenish our regiment and at them again.
When you hear that we are being thus used, don't protest for it's
a glorious calling and none but the brave fight thus. While it's
the most dangerous, it's the most glorious. This is war. C'est
la Guerre.

Berean boys salute you, and report all are well. I have
received numerous letters from members and friends, all of
which I will answer next week, as I intend to spend this rest
period in rest. I shall go to Paris, Marseilles and Bordeaux
next month on permission, and hope to meet several friends
and together tour that section during the week I shall be away
from the regiment.

I am very proud of you and your achievements and of
the officers in particular, they are 1 4K pure gold.

Love to all. Pray for the speedy termination of this
War.

Your loving pastor,

Wm. S. Braddan
Capt. and Chaplain, 370th Inf., U. S. N. G.

Breaking Hindenburg's Line

CHAPTER X

Breaking Hindenburg's Line.

SATURDAY, Sept. 14, 1918 constitutes an epoch of
great moment in the history of the 370th Infty. and
the men and officers of the same, for 'twas on this
day that orders were issued from Gen. Mangien, Com-
manding General of the 10th French Army, of which
we were a part, directing the 59th Div. (that had been
so badly decimated in their recent offensive at Chavigny,
Leury and the Bois-de-Braumont, that the 370th Infty. was given
to fill in the depleted ranks of this splendid fighting unit) to move
to the Soissons front.

We were ordered to proceed to the trenches at Antiouch and
Tancille Farmes and Mont De Singe (Monkey Mountain), where
we were to affect liaison with the 325, 23? R. F. I., 220 light
and 412 heavy artillery, 6th Eng., 10th French Cav., that con-
stituted the combat units of this brave, hard-working and vic-
torious French division under command of Gen. Vincendon, of
whom more will be said anon.

The 3 70th was loaded into a hundred trucks at Mareuil-
Sur-Ourcq on the date referred to, and amidst the Bon-Sante-
Bon-Chance of the villagers, we were off on the final lap of our
journey to the place where none but the brave fought, where
the cunning, well entrenched Prussian Guards with their death-
head insignia, the pick of the Germany Army, were entrenched
in the famous Hindenburg Line, where they had defied the
Allies and declared to Berlin that it was impossible for the Allies
to move them. We unloaded from the trucks at St. Bandry
that afternoon and I saw the most completely demolished place
that I had yet visited on the western front. Not one stone had
been left standing, every house was dismantled, the streets were
pitted with shell holes, the town disemboweled, the church re-
duced to a heap of ruins, the burial place had been dug up, and
the poor bones of the sacred dead that had rested in their
charnel house for years, were thrown up by the cruel shells and
strewn around the place that was known as consecrated ground,
but that was ere those vultures of the Rhine had gone forth to
kulturize Europe and the world.

It was at this place, two days from the most dangerous
position in that sector, that the U. S. Paymaster, who had been

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

endeavoring to locate us, got our number and called. The
news was quickly spread that the men and officers who had not
been paid in over two months, would be paid the next day
(Sunday). You just wouldn't know it was Sunday had you not
been told, for one day was pretty much as another; the same
monotonous swishing of the German 'planes, the booming of
the cannon, the bursting of shells, the groans of the wounded
and dying, yet we were to be paid. Why? I don't know. But
I do know that it was one of the most stupid things I ever saw,
to load a man down with 3,800 francs and send him to the front
line trenches where the chances were a hundred to one that he
would never come out alive.

By 2 P. M. the money that had not been paid to the
individual soldier and officer was turned over to the Battalion
or Company Commander and the Paymaster jumped in his
large touring car and motored back of the line to S. O. S.,
happy with the thought that he had finished his task. That night
we slept amidst th? ruins of that ancient city and the next day
hiked to Fountenois and, as we left the demolished buildings
of that once thriving city on the right, so intent was I watching
an old man, feeble with age and with grief grown gray, sitting
upon a stone that once served as the keystone to a beautiful
chateau, so interested was I watching this man tell his beads,
with trembling hand, that I did not note that we. were passing a
giant naval gun of the largest type, completely camouflaged in
a valley to the left. The next instant it had belched forth a two-
hundred-pounder that went hurtling through the air to Laon,
some thirty miles away, where for four years the Germans had
held ten thousand French inhabitants in terror, but toward which
your "boys" were moving and at the portals of which this
monster 1 6-inch gun was knocking for admittance. When this
gun boomed so unexpected and startling was the sound that
every human nearly jumped out of their hob-nails. That night
we slept in caves and amidst the ruins of Tartrier (while the
bombing 'planes of the enemy were busily engaged in trying
to get our angora), from which place Companies "I" and "L"
having affected liaison with the French, went forward, leaving
us to follow.

Sept. 1 6 at 5 P. M. we pulled out, being instructed to so
march as to reach our objective at the 23rd hour. The advance
battalion commanded by Major Stokes was to rest at Tancille
Farme, while Patton's battalion was to rest at Antiouch Farme,
Lieut. Col. Duncan's at Mt. Touley. It was a long tedious march;

Breaking Hindenburg's Line

twenty kilometers must be covered marching alert, no talking,
going forward in groups of platoons at proper intervals, so that
in case we were shelled, a thing always to be expected, the
fewest men possible would be killed or wounded. It was like
a funeral procession and it was nothing less, because many of
those noble boys, the flower of a noble race of patriots, the
hope, pride and joy of fond mothers whose prayers were ascend-
ing as a sweet offering in behalf of their children, ere the follow-
ing night began to settle over the battle-scarred front, had made
the supreme sacrifice amidst the fields of daisies and poppies.

It was a march that brought all the man or baby within
you to the fore. Silence, silence of the most nerve wrecking
kind, nothing but thoughts, thoughts of home that lay three
thousand miles across the turbulent ocean, thoughts of deeds of
commission and omission, of neglected opportunities of bringing
sunshine and gladness to others' hearts and lives, just thoughts
and silent prayers for God's protection. We were marching
light, i. e., without packs, just two blankets, gun and ammunition,
canteen and gas mask worn at an alert, yet that equipment, as
light as it was, seemed to bend us double. I have often thought
that the thing that weighed us down was the consciousness that
the weight of a doting race that had staked its future on us, and
our willingness and ability to make good, was weighing upon
our shoulders, for if we failed in this supreme test, the entire
race would fail, and more than one of us swore that very night,
"We shall not fail."

Then the shades of night began to cover the torn and
bleeding earth, and hide the countless shell holes, bloated corpses
of German and French soldiers who had crimsoned the daisies
and made the poppies redder still, and with the coming of night
came the flares, star shells and signal rockets from the trenches
toward which we were going, crusaders of democracy, bearing
that to the stricken French which we ourselves had never enjoyed
in the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

How often, Oh, how often in the days through which we
passed over there, have I thought, how inconsistent for my
government to send these willing subjects to Europe to fight
Autocracy, and for Democracy while it denied the same to its
most loyal and patriotic subjects, the Negro. How unjust to send
two hundred thousand Negroes three thousand miles to fight
the Germans for destroying homes and killing the innocent,
while at that very minute the members of the proud, powerful,
enlightened and Christian American race were lynching, hanging

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

and burning our brothers in America. I declare to God, no
other race would have fought as fought the Negro in Europe,
while at the same time the corpses of their brothers dangled at
the end of a rope tied to a convenient tree or telegraph pole.
Just and benign God, how much longer must my people endure
in silence such treatment?

The answer harks back, Not long, for we are no longer
afraid to die, nor too proud to fight.

It was 1 1 :30 P. M. when, amidst the intense shelling of the
Germans, (who had gotten wind that we were relieving the
"Blue Devils," a crack French unit), Stokes' battalion with
whom I had gone forward, reached Tancille Farme. We were
hog tired, the men dropped to the earth like logs to gain a
moment's rest, not a word was spoken for we were in front of
the much heralded Hindenburg Line. Gee! If we could only
have a cigarette; everyone had the makings, but not a spark,
not a light must be seen under pain of death.

Waiting for us was a French billeting officer whose duty
it was to assign us to our cave, then came the information from
Col. Roberts to Major Stokes that a mistake had been made and
that his battalion was to proceed to a point some five kilometers
away; then everybody began to curse, and they had it coming,
for it was a well known fact that Roberts hated Stokes and was
camping on his trail. Headquarters being established at Tancille
Farme, there remained nothing for the writer to do but to find a
cave and go to sleep.

Early the next A. M. we crawled out of the cave to orient
ourselves, and what a sight! Missiles of death were everywhere
falling; death was all around us, dead Frenchmen, Germans and
horses. Equipments of every description lay in the recently
evacuated trenches; the sight was appalling, the scent nauseating.
The Chaplain reported these facts to the Colonel and requested
a burying squad. "But when do you purpose to bury them?"
"Now, sir." "Not on your life," was his reply, "don't you know
that you are in front of the famous Hindenburg Line? Wait until
night." "Very well, sir." That night, while the Germans were
shelling our boys, we went out and buried their fallen comrades.

That evening we were ordered to change our position
to Antiouch Farme — Ration's Battalion having gone forward;
the Regimental Headquarters to rest there in conjunction
with Stokes' Battalion.

Three days had passed since our arrival, we had lost
three hundred men, killed and wounded — Sgt. Ernest of Co. "L,"

Breaking Hindenburg's Line

being the first to make the supreme sacrifice on the Hindenburg
Line, one of the most excellent, exemplary soldiers that I have
known in my twenty and four years' service. His body, poor,
bleeding, torn and mutilated was buried in No-Man's Land
by his comrades. Why was he forgotten when the Distinguished
Service Crosses were awarded? Ask Col. T. A. Roberts, he
knows.

Up until now the brunt of the fighting was devolved upon
"L" Co. under the leadership of Capt. Crawford, a brave, fear-
less officer and gentleman whose entire company should have
been cited, also Co. "F" under 1st Lieut. Andrews whom we
all affectionately dubbed "Tush," another fearless officer whose
company should have been cited, for until then the present "F"
Co. had sustained the greatest loss. Sgt. Jenkins, a splendid fel-
low and brave, had with his platoon taken the Hindenburg Cave,
turned their own machine guns on them and held the position
three days on an empty belly. Had he been a white man he
would have received a commission and his deeds sung in history.

It was at this time that the Chaplain went to Col. Roberts
and said, "Colonel, what do you think of my Boys?" "Not much,"
was his quick reply. "Why?" "Well, they are not making good."
"What do you mean, Colonel?" "Well, they failed to gain their
objective yesterday and Gen. Vincendon is very much dis-
appointed." "I don't see why he should be disappointed; the
men fought two days on an an empty stomach over a terrene
that was new to them, amidst a hell of shelling and not a man
took air." "Well, Chaplain, for your sake I hope the men will not
prove a disappointment."

And now hell broke loose all along the line. The Ger-
mans received orders from Hindenburg to hold us back. We
received orders from Mangien, Commanding General of the 1 Oth
Army to go forward and relieve Laon, that city of beauty built
upon a hill of green that had been held and terrorized by the
Germans for four years. But lying between us and our objective
were the Ailette Canal, the Bois Mortier, all strongly fortified
by the pick of the German Army. These positions must be
taken; easier said than done, for the Blue Devils, a crack French
division that we had relieved declared it was impossible to
advance against it. On the 28th of Sept. Col. Roberts sent for
the Chaplain and said in substance, "Capt., these men are a
bunch of cowards. The officers are no better; they don't seem
to have any spirit, they don't shout when they go over the top."
"I don't know what you have in mind Colonel but I do know

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

that a braver bunch of men never got together. Does the
Colonel know that we have lost a hundred men a day and we
have been up here over a week?" "Well," he rejoined, "none
have been killed." "Sir, I have buried forty." Well, that's
what soldiers are for, to be killed and wounded." "Very well
sir, but when they go bravely forward to death and wounds it
ill becomes the Commanding Officer to brand them cowards and
quitters." The Chaplain saluted and climbed down the hill
cursing a fate that would take a perfectly good -Negro Colonel,
who, with all his faults, and who of us are there without faults,
loved his race and his regiment and would have seen to it that
they got a square deal. Why was this Negro Commander who
won the praise and admiration of every French General with
whom he came in contact, and after whom a sector in front of
St. Mihiel was named, why was he sent back to G. H. Q., then
Blois and the U. S. A.? That's the question that Ten Million
Negroes want answered.

Major White, Lieut. Tancil and the Chaplain were now
occupying a P. C. at a point known as Ration's P. C., the Colonel
having so ordered. It afterward developed that he had crowded
us out of the Regt. P. C. for French Sgts. and Liaison Officers.
It was perfectly all right with me for I had tired of looking upon
his carnivorous face and breathing the same air with him. A
week passed, he sent for the Chaplain who reluctantly wormed
his way amidst the bursting shells from Mount Touley to the
Regt. P. C., two kilometers away.

The first words were — "Captain, what is the matter with
this regiment? *H* Co. fell down, 'F' Co. lost Liaison, 'G' Co.
is scattered all over the front."

"Colonel, I fear that the men are losing heart by reason
of persistent rumors."

"What are the rumors?"

"First, that Gen. Vincendon has sent a communication to
G. H. Q. stating that the men are not making good and that
the officers are to blame, that if the men were under white officers
they would do more effective work, and you, Colonel, so I am
informed, have followed up the General's letter recommending
all white officers and specifically requesting that one white Lieut.
Colonel and three white Majors be sent to you at once." ( I did
not tell him that I had a copy of the letter and the original tele-
gram). His answer was:

"Well, Captain, two white majors are on their way here,
Col. Duncan will not be relieved immediately while Capt. Patton

Breaking Hindenburg's Line

has it theoretically, he has it but in part, practically; Duncan
has it theoretically but not practically; Major Stokes is the
slowest mortal on earth. What I want is men of practical
knowledge to lead these men in battle."

Now his talk listened well but I knew and every human in
the regiment knew that there wasn't an officer in the regiment that
couldn't make rings around him when it came to efficiency in
leading and directing troops and that he had not been in com-
mand of troops for years and at his own request was assigned to
the 370th for the avowed purpose of getting rid of the Negro
officers. I have in my possession a telegram that he sent his
personal friend at G. H. Q. requesting him to urge the sending
of white officers to the 370th. This is the same coward who
several months later, when the war ended, marched your city's
streets and in your public halls praised and lauded the men and
officers whom he had cursed and damned in France. It's one
thing to praise a fellow when he is under his own vine and fig
tree but quite another thing to give him a square deal when he
really needs it.

Shortly after the conversation referred to an incident
occured that proved to my mind that Roberts would stoop to
anything in order to carry his point, i. e., placing the officers in
a bad light. Gen. Vincendon gave orders that a Battalion of
the 370th move forward to a point the other side of Monkey
Mountain and attack the German line at 9 P. M. The order
was received at 6 A. M. Roberts snorted — "Who ever heard
of Americans waiting until night to make an attack; they leave
at 9 A. M. today." Hence Col. Duncan was ordered to move
his, the 3rd Battalion, at 9 A. M. I was with him the entire
night before and when he received the order, brave and fearless
man that he was, he said, "Well Parson, I am going after them,
you know the song you sing, 'If Jesus goes with me.'

How I admired that man. He was always a prince. I
have made this statement to refute one made that there was a
mistake in the orders that sent Duncan's Battalion forward at
9 A. M. instead of 9 P. M. It was a mistake but it was made
with cunning design and utter abandon by Col. T. A. Roberts,
the man who didn't care.

When Duncan's Battalion crossed the railroad (or where
once a railroad was) hell popped loose — the Germans opened
up every gun for miles around and threw down one of the most
terrific barrages behind that Batalion I ever saw, completely
cutting off their retreat had they so desired but not a man or

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

officer thought of doing other than going forward or fighting
with their backs to the wall. When Roberts saw the predicament
in which his folly had placed this brave Colonel and his men
he was scared stiff, called up Gen. Vincendon and requested a
counter barrage which was promptly forthcoming but not until
we had sent a hundred men and officers back, killed and wounded.
After it was all over he blamed Duncan for going forward with-
out artillery preparation and straightway sent this telegram:

"C. O. 370 R. I. U. S. Adj. Gen., G. H. Q., A. E F.

After careful consideration and thought I am convinced
that this regiment must have experienced white field officers;
one Battalion Commander, at present, could function as such,
if given competent Captains. Regiment now heavily engaged
and officers heretofore deemed efficient are failing to properly
lead their men, urge prompt sending of capable white Battalion
Commander — Roberts."

Yet notwithstanding the handicap of fighting under the
command of this prejudiced man, your regiment made good,
cleared Monkey Mountain of every German, pushed them back
over the Laon-La-Fere, dug them out of the trenches of Acier,
made them wade the Ailette, pushed them so close that they
left their guns in the Bois Mortier and made them forget to take
their beer and whiskey when they deserted their caves of con-
crete and after this was accomplished and Stokes* Battalion had
taken up the pursuit, "C" Co., the pride of the "8th," under
Capt. Jimmy Smith acting as advance guard, Roberts came out
of his cave, rushed down the hill to where Maj. Stokes had his
battalion in formation awaiting orders, cursed and snorted,
walked at the head of the column with Maj. Stokes about five
hundred yards, then returned to his P. C. and wrote or had
written an order citing himself for bravery in fearlessly leading
a battalion under fire, and in due time received his Croix de
Guerre which must ever be a reminder to him of his cowardice.

The Germans were now on a stiff jump toward the Rhine;
your Boys, after a stiff battle that had lasted thirty days, days
of suffering and privation during which time we had lost nine
hundred men, sick and wounded, 36 officers and 45 men killed,
and yet reached and passed every objective, gave the lie to those
who had said that Negro soldiers would not follow the lead
of Negro officers.

We took up the pursuit of the fleeing Germans on Oct.

Breaking Hindenburg's Line

1 5th. The men were barefooted, ragged and lousy. Every one
was moon-eyed, haggard, unshaven and half crazed, the result
of sleepless nights and anxious days; for thirty days they had
passed through the fires of hell, but every one was happy and
as they moved forward they sang "We rushed them back at the
Marne, we held and checked them at Compiegne, and every
Hun Son-of-a-gun we slaughtered at Verdun, we stacked them in
the field of Old Lorraine, we bottled them up at the Kiel, we sank
them to the bottom of every sea, and when the 370th hit the line
the Germans started toward the Rhine, right to hell through
Germany."

Laon was released on Oct. 1 3th after four years of Ger-
man domination, cruelty and intimidation, ten thousand grateful
civilians hugged and kissed each other and every soldier they
saw.

The 29th of October found us at Chambry, four kilometers
from Laon, the Germans having been driven from this beauti-
ful village on the 1 2th day of the same month.

Like Athens, Laon is built upon a hill of green overlooking
the surrounding valley for miles, its buildings of white glistening
in the sunlight like a pearl in an emerald setting.

The Cathedral, a magnificent building of virgin marble,
occupies the loftiest pinnacle of the hill and long ere we relieved
the city I had often peered through the lenses of my field glasses
and feasted my eyes upon this House of Prayer.

Knowing from observation what havoc the Germans had
wrought upon other Houses of Worship I wondered if they would
vent their spleen upon this magnificent structure where gathered
the pious folks on Holy Days.

But be it said to the credit of the Huns that in their
departure this building was left unmolested. This was evidently
owing to the sentiment attached to their long residence amidst
those gentle, stricken folk of Laon, and their hasty going forth,
for it must be remembered that Gen. Mangien's 10th Army of
which we were a proud unit were camping so close on their
trail that they even left their prepared meals, beer and wine
on the tables. No we did not eat of their untasted food always
bearing in mind Chicago's Slogan, "Safety First."

^We rested at Chambry while the Division was reorganized
by Gen. Vincendon, the several units of our regiment were inter-
spersed with the French thus relieving Col. Roberts of immediate
command of any Troop movements or the handling of the troop*
under fire.

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

The Burial of Lieut. G. L. Giles
at Chambry, France

To those of us who were in on the ground floor, it proved
conclusive that Gen. Vincendon realized the fighting ability of
the Boys of the 370th, that he realized that Col. Roberts lacked
initiative and ability to command under fire; Roberts was there-
fore given command of the Divisional Reserve and left at
Chambry. 'Twas here that Lieut. Giles was buried together
with forty others of this regiment.

There in the same cemetery where rests the remains of the
son of our lamented Roosevelt, with the propeller of his aero-
plane to mark his resting place, there among five hundred Ger-
man graves lie the greatest number of Negroes buried in one
place in all France — surely the patriotic Negroes of America
will erect a fitting memorial at this point.

We were now nearing the termination of that long, cruel
and bloody war, that had dragged itself through Europe like
a deadly cobra, blighting and destroying everything with which
it came in contact. France is no longer the beautiful, but grim
and scepter-like she lay as a corpse, bleeding from a thousand
gaping wounds, pitted by a million shells, disemboweled and
upturned by the awful hail of aerial bombs. The gardens, farms
and foliage were poisoned by the deadly gas used so unsparingly
by the fierce barbarians — trees that lined either side of an erst-
while well kept highway were twisted, hacked and uprooted
by high explosives — yet the Day of Peace was about to dawn
and that which was left of France was happy.

Breaking Hindenburg's Line

Loyal, patient, courageous French soldiers who had stood
the brunt of this titanic struggle for four long, cruel, nerve-
wrecking, heart-breaking years were everywhere rejoicing and
crying La Guerre, Fini.

'Twas at this point that the Chaplain sought the Colonel
and said, "Sir, I have gone as far with you as I can." He looked
up as though to bid him proceed. He did as follows:

"When you assumed command of this regiment at Rare-
court on the 12th of July I seriously doubted whether I could
follow your command and on the 1 9th of the same month while
we were at Veraincourt I requested to be relieved from duty
with the regiment.

"You did me the honor to suggest that I could be of great
assistance to you, by remaining. I finally consented to withdraw
my request for transfer for service over seas saying to you, that
if at any future time I could not give you conscientious service
I would so inform you.

"That time has now arrived. I find it impossible for me to
serve under you, as I feel that you are absolutely unfair in your
treatment of the men and officers of this regiment."

"What do you propose to do?" was his query. "Sir, I am
sending in a request for transfer for service over seas. Now that
the war is practically ended I feel that my future duty lies more
with my wife who is semi-invalid, my girl children and a loyal
church who has been deprived of my services for two years."

"I will not approve of such a transfer."

"Very well Sir, I shall forward it to G. H. Q. without the
Colonel's endorsement."

After a moment's thought he said, "Very well, send it
through the Adjutant's Office and I will endorse it." He did so,
and this was the spirit of his endorsement.

"I request that Capt. Braddan be ordered to Blois for re-
classification and immediate discharge. His influence with the
men is such that I cannot control them."

Twas while at Chambry that we lost our first and only
officer by death, in the person of Lieut. Giles, who made the
supreme sacrifice while leading his men at Grandlupe. Twas
here also that 72 men of that splendid unit Co. A, under com-
mand of Capt Stewart Betts, a brave and true officer and gentle-
man, were struck down by one shell from a German gun. I
laid the mangled bodies of 45 of our heroic dead to rest in the
beautiful German cemetery at Chambry.

On the 4th of November the Germans in their last effort

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

at Grandlupe were checked by Pattern's Battalion, who was
ordered in pursuit of the Germans who now began to fall back
all along the battle front.

The Germans were forced across the Serre on the 5th of
November. Capt. Prout who was commanding Stokes' Battalion
was leading this splendid group of fighters who distinguished
themselves by capturing a German Battery at Sal St. Pierre.
Capt. Patton bears the palm for being the first to lead his men
across the Hirson Rail at Aubenton, this in the face of a
powerful resistance. Every one who knows Patt and his
Battalion knew that he would do that very thing, so we were not
suprised. In the meantime Col. Duncan with his splendid
Battalion was driving like mad toward Longwy where he finally
backed the Boche against the wall and forced them to take air.
But it was just like Duncan and those splendid boys to do more
than was expected of them, for they never stopped in their
drive until they reached Gue d'Hossus, on the 1 1 th of November
when Peace, long looked for, prayed for, fought for — Peace
had come.

In loving memory of our com-
rades who made the supreme
sacrifice.

In Flanders Field the Poppies

Grow among the White Crosses

Row after Row

Honor Men and General Orders

Official list of names of Members of the "8th" Infantry,
Illinois National Guard (370th Infantry) who were killed or
died during the World War. (Arranged According to Rank).

SECOND LIEUTENANTS
George L. Giles
Harry M. Lias

SERGEANTS.
Callaway, Larry
Gammon, James
Ernest, William F.
Fletcher, William
Melton, Emmitt
Minor, James C.
Murphy, Walter
Nelson, Elmer E.
Parker, George E.
Parker, Walter C.
Patterson, George
Pelter, Walter L.
Proctor, Julius
Saffore, Thomas
Shaw, George
White, Floyd F.
Williams, Solomon

CORPORALS :
Banks, William W.
Frazier, Houston
Green, Hirdie
Ogilvie, Robert
Pelky, David W.
Perkins, Moses
Petty, Lee
Piggot, Robert N.
Porter, Lee
Robertson, Edward
Simmons, Gustave
Thacher, William W.
Wheeler, James A.

COOKS :
Bedford, Oscar
Jones, John
Lewis, John

MECHANIC:

Saunders, William

MUSICIAN :

Instant, Peter

PRIVATES, 1st CLASS:
Anderson, Nollis
Billhimer, John
Blue, Barren P.
Buckley, Sherman
Christman, Goldman
Davis, Thomas
Goodwin, Noah
Graham, Ervin H.
Gresham, Leland C.
Horton, Charles
McCurdy, Elwood
Marthell, Dellin
Meals, Robert
Moody, Monroe
Roberts, Lawrence
Robinson, Cover
Robinson, O'Neal
Scurlock, Arthur
Somerville, James
Stoudamire, Elijah
Thomas, Louis E.
Underwood, James
Warfield, Henry B.
Washington, Drew
White, Nathaniel C.

PRIVATES :

Adkins, William
Alexander, Jesse
Anderson, Alex. L.
Bailey, George
Banister, Randolph
Banks, John L.
Bradley, Charles
Brown, Harry
Brown, Leonard
Burton, David
Burrel, Samuel L.
Carter, Ben
Clark, Guy
Clay, Rhodes, Jr.
Clinton, Albert
Crawford, Coy
Cromwell, William
Cuff, William
Davenport, William
Davis, Frank
Dillingham, Frank

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

• v E)odson, Richard A.

Dun wood, Roland

Edwards, Lawrence J.
f Farris, Jackson H.

Fry, Leonard G.

Gardner, Willie L.

Gilbert, Vernon

Green, Henry

Gudger, Floy H.

Halfin, Willie

Hardy, Sheridan

Harrison, William

Harvey, William C.

Hayes, Walter

Hill, John

Hunt, Willie

Hymes, David

Irby, Spirley H.
i Jones, Roy

Lee, Leslie R.

Lee, Robert E.

Lennon, Willie D.

Lewis, John

Liles, George

Linder, Jake

Louviere, Jerry

McCall, Andy

McCoy, Mack

McCray, Judge

McGlothen, Lytounsel

Mayberry, Hunter

Mayberry, Waymon

Magee, Oscar

Midnight, Will

Mills, Ollie

Moore, Ernest L.

Mosby, Wilbur

Munn, Simon

Murray, Hillard
Nicholas, John H.
Paris, William C.
Pearson, Richard V.
Perkins, Thurman
Powell, Tom
Preston, Edward
Redd, John M.
Roberts, Norman
Rogers, Harry
Remain, Joseph
Shelton, John H.
Simons, Carl
Skinner, George
Speights, Robert L.
Spencer, James C.
Stanhope, John D.
Streeter, George
Taylor, Sulvals
Taylor, Levell
Thatcher, Turley B.
Thompson, John
Thorpe, Clifford
Trailer, Henry
Triplett, Luther
Truley, Wesley
Tyler, Clark
Walker, James
Walker, John
Ward, Winthrop
Warner, Charles
Whitten, Ira
William, Harold
Williams, Frank
Williams, Gus
Winfield, Harold
Young, Henry
Young, Crian

Honor Men and General Orders

CHAPTER XI

Honor Men and General Orders.

Honor unto whom Honor is Due.
We Salute these Splendid Men.

The following list will prove that the 370th ( 8th I. N. G.)
was the most Decorated Unit in the A. E. F.

Distinguished Service Cross

Captain William B. Crawford
1st Lt. William Warfield
Sup. Sgt. Lester Fossie, Co. M
Sergeant Robert Barnes, Co. L
Sergeant Ralph Gibson, Co. H
Sergeant Norman Henry, M. G.

Co. No. 3

Sergeant Matthew Jenkins, Co. F
Sergeant Chas. T. Monroe, Hq. Co.
Sergeant Emmitt Thompson, Co. I»
Corporal Isaac Valley, Co. M
Pvt. 1st Class Nathaniel C. White,

Co. F
Pvt. 1st Class Alfred Williamson,

Det. Med. Dept.
Private William E. Cuff, M. G. Co.

No. 2

Private Leroy Davis, Co. L.
Private James Fuquay, Co. H
Private William G. Hurdle, M. G.

Co. No. 3

Private Spriley Irby, Co. H
Private Arthur Johnson, Hq. Co.
Private Andy McCall, M. G. Co.

No. 3
Private Harry Pearson, M. G. Co.

No. 3

Private Tom Powell, Co. H
Private Alonzo Walton, M. G. Co.

No. 3

Distinguished Service Medal

Colonel Thomas A. Roberts

Croix De Guerre
(Army Citation)

Company C, Captain James H.
Smith, Commanding

Croix De Guerre
(Division Citation)

Colonel Thomas A. Roberts
Lt. Col. Otis B. Duncan
Captain Stuart Alexander
Captain George M. Allen
Captain Samuel R. Gwynne
Captain James C. Hall
Captain John H. Patton
Captain John T. Prout
Captain Chester Sanders
1st Lieut. Osceola A. Browning
2nd Lieut. Stanley B. Norvell
2nd Lieut. Roy B. Tisdell

Croix De Guerre
(Brigade Citation)

Major James R. White

Captain Matthew Jackson

Captain Devere J. Warner

1st Lt. Claudius Ballard

1st Lt. Samuel S. Gordon

1st Lt. Robert P. Hurd

1st Lt. Charles C. Jackson

1st Lt. George C. Lacy

1st Lt. Frank Robinson

1st Lt. Harry N. Shelton

1st Lt. Park Tancil

1st Lt. William Warfield

2nd Lt. Henry C. P. Cheatham

2nd Lt. Elmer J. Myers

2nd Lt. Thomas A. Painter

2nd Lt. Lawson Price

2nd Lt. Lincoln D. Reid

Sergeant Clarence R. Gibson, Co. H

Sergeant Norman Henry, M. G Co

No. 3

Sergeant Matthew Jenkins, Co. F
Sergeant Cecil Nelson, Co. L

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry. (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

Sergeant Howard Templeman, Co. C Private Arthur Johnson, Hq. Co.
Corporal Charles T. Brock, M. G. S. M.

Co. No. 3 Private Paul Johnson, Co. B

Corporal James R. Brown, M. G. Private Reedy Jones, Co. I.

Co. No. 3 Private Alonzo Kellar, Co. M

Corporal Joseph Henderson, Co. I Private Leroy Lindsay, 1st Bn. Hq.

Corporal Elmer Laurent, Hq. Co. Private Lavern Massey, Co. I

Corporal William Stevenson, Co. F. Private Bee McKissie, Co. M

Corporal Maceo A. Tervalon, Co. D Private Charles T. Monroe, Hq. Co.
Corporal Lewis Warner, Co. I S. M.

Pvt. 1st Class Robert Pryor, Co. C Private Josiah Nevees, Co. C

Pvt. 1st Class George B. White, Co. Private Jonas Paxton, 3rd Bn. Hq.

B Private Harry Pearson, M. G. Co.
Pvt. 1st Class Nathaniel C. White, No. 3

Co. F Private Rufus Pitts, Hq. Co.

Private Albert Dorsey, Co. M. Private Cornelius Robinson Co. M

,, . .p. TJ i A TJ XT Private Ulysses Sayles, Co. F

Private Deery Brown, 3rd Bn. Hq. Private Howard s^ffield, Co. F

Private Reed J. Brown, Co. L Private Ira Taylor, Co. B

Private William E. Cuff, Co. E Private Paul Turlington, M. G. Co.
Private Jesse Ferguson, Co. B No. 3

Private Hugh Givens, Co. F Croix De Guerre

Private Wm. G. Hurdle, M. G. Co. (Regimental Citation)

No. 3 Captain Charles W. Fillmore

HEADQUARTERS, 370th U. S. INFANTRY
American Expeditionary Forces

December 9, 1918
GENERAL ORDERS:

No. 19

1 . The following order of the 59th Division, Army of
France, is published to the regiment, and will be read to all
organizations at first formation after its receipt:
59th Division, Quartier General, December 8, 1918.

Staff.

GENERAL ORDERS

No. 4785
Officers and Soldiers of the 370th R. I. U. S.

You are leaving us. The impossibility at this time that the
German Army can recover from its defeat — the necessity which
is imposed on the peoples of the Entente of taking up again a
normal life — leads the United States to diminish its effectives
in France. You are chosen to be among the first to return to
America. In the name of your comrades of the 59th Division,
I say to you : Au revoir — in the name of France, thank you.

The hard and brilliant battles of Chavigny, Leury, and the

100

Honor Men and General Orders

Bois de Beaumont having reduced the effectives of the Division,
the American Government generously put your regiment at the
disposition of the French High Command in order to reinforce
us. You arrived from the trenches of the Argonne.

We at first, in September, at Mareuil-Sur-Ourcq, admired
your fine appearance under arms, the precision of your review,
the suppleness of your evolutions that presented to the eye the
appearance of silk unrolling its wavy folds.

We advanced to the line. Fate placed you on the banks
of the Ailette, in front of the Bois Mortier. October 12th you
occupied the enemy trenches Acier and Brouze. On the 1 3th
we reached the railroad of Laon La Fere — the forest of Saint
Gobain, principal center of resistance of the Hindenburg Line,
was ours.

November 5th the Serre was at last crossed — the pursuit
became active. Prout's Battalion distinguished itself at the Sal
St. Pierre, where it captured a German battery. Patton's
Battalion crossed, the first, the Hirson railroad at the heights of
Aubenton, where the Germans tried to resist. Duncan's Battalion
took Longwy, and, carried away by their ardor, could not be
stopped short of Gue d'Hossus, on November 1 1 th, after the
armistice.

We have hardly had the time to appreciate you, and already
you depart.

As Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan said November 28th, in
offering to me your regimental colors "as a proof of your love
for France, as an expression of your loyalty to the 59th Division
and our Army, you have given us of your best and you have given
it out of the fullness of your hearts."

The blood of your comrades who fell on the soil of France,
mixed with the blood of our soldiers, renders indissoluble the
bonds of affection that unite us. We have, besides, the pride of
having worked together at a magnificent task, and the pride of
bearing on our foreheads the ray of a common grandeur.

A last time, — Au revoir.

All of us of the 59th Division will remember the time when
the 370th R. I., U. S., under the orders of the distinguished
Colonel Roberts, formed a part of our beautiful Division. •

GENERAL VINCENDON,
Commanding the 59th Division,

Signed: VINCENDON

101

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

2. The eloquence and affectionate generosity of the dis-
tinguished General Commanding the 59th Division renders
difficult the task of the Regimental Commander to adequately
express the gratification that officers and men of the Regiment
feel on reading his parting words. Not one of us can read or
hear them without a deep sense of gratitude and pride that we
were permitted to have a part in the task of the hard-working
and hard-fighting 59th Division, and that our efforts have met
with approvals fills us with joy.

The 59th Division spared nothing to make our task easier;
taking upon themselves the harder portions, they gave our in-
experienced men the time to accustom themselves to the rigors
of open warfare and to gain invaluable knowledge from obser-
vation of the soldiers of two of the best regiments of the incom-
parable infantry of France, until, during the pursuit so happily
ended by the complete collapse of the enemy, our battalions
earned the commendation of their commanding officers.

For all the acts of courtesy, for the many aids rendered us,
for the kind and generous words of the Commanding General,
we thank the officers and men of the 59th Division. With pride
we shall return to the United States — pride that we shared the
lot of this fine Division, and pride that our efforts — though not
comparable with those of the veterans of four years of terrible
war — were yet considered worthy of such words as are addressed
to us above.

To the brilliant General Commanding, to his officers and
men, we say au revoir with regret. As we have always admired
their bearing in battle, we shall always remember with affection
our comrades of the 59th D. I.

T. A. ROBERTS,

Colonel Commanding
By Order of Colonel Roberts:

John H. Patton,
Captain and Adjutant,
370th U. S. Infantry

102 '

The Writer at the Age of 16,

Pvt., Troop L., 10th U. S.

Cavalry, Fort Bayard,

N. M., 1888

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

WAR DEPARTMENT

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE

WASHINGTON
SUBJECT: Recommendation for D. S. C.

In Reply Refer to A. G. 201 Braddan, William S. GDG 595

(11-22-26) Ex

November 30, 1926.
TO: Colonel Otis B. Duncan,
8th Inf., Illinois N. G.,
3517 Giles Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois.

1. Reference is made to your letter of November 22, 1926,
wherein you recommended the award of the Distinguished
Service Cross to William S. Braddan, formerly captain, chaplain,
370th Infantry, for an act said to have been performed by him
on September 19, 1918, near Laon, France, during the World
War.

2. The time limit set by law within which the Distinguished
Service Cross could be awarded for an act performed in the
World War, expired on April 7, 1923. Your letter has there-
fore been placed on file with Chaplain Braddan's record in the
War Department as a permanent record of the act performed.

By order of the Secretary of War:

John B. Shuman,

Adjutant General

1st. Ind.

Hdqrs. 8th Inf., 111. N. G., Chicago, 111. December 3, 1926;
—To Captain William S. Braddan, Chaplain, 8th Inf., 111. N. G.
1. Inviting attentions to basic letter.
By order of Colonel Duncan:

James C. Hall

Captain, 8th Inf., 111. N. G.
Adjutant

104

Honor Men and General Orders

STATE OF ILLINOIS

MILITARY AND NAVAL DEPARTMENT
SPRINGFIELD

SUBJECT: Federal Recognition. July 16, 1927

TO: Major William S. Braddan,
Chaplain, 8th Infantry,
Chicago, Illinois. (Thru channels) .

1. Herewith I am enclosing Form No. 3a, Militia Bureau,
extending Federal recognition to you to date from June 1 7,
1927. C. E. Black

The Adjutant General

Chief of Staff
1st Ind.

Hq., 33rd Division, Chicago, Illinois, July 18, 1927. To —
Major Wm. S. Braddan, Chaplain, 8th Infantry, Chicago, Illinois.
(Thru channels).

1 . For your information and file.
By Command of Major General Keehn:

Loren C. Grieves,

Chief of Staff
2nd Ind.

Hq., 8th Inf., 111. N. G., Chicago, Illinois, July 20, 1927— To
Major William S. Braddan, Chaplain, 8th Inf., 111. N. G.
1 . For your information and file.
By order of Colonel Duncan: James C. Hall

Captain, 8th Infantry, 111. N. G.
Adjutant

STATE OF ILLINOIS

MILITARY AND NAVAL DEPARTMENT

SPRINGFIELD

Special Orders June 15, 1927

No. 112

Extract

1. The following appointments are hereby made:
Captain WILLIAM S. BRADDAN to be Major, Chaplain, to rank
from June 15, 1927, and attached to 8th Infantry, Illinois
National Guard,
(original).

By command of the Governor:

C. E. Black

Major Braddan The Adjutant General

8th Infantry Chief of Staff

105

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

As we entered the zone of Activities we were warned of
our Most Deadly Enemy — Gas.

THE TEN GAS COMMANDMENTS

1 . At the sound of the Gas Alarm there are only two left, The
Quick and the Dead.

2. Always carry your Gas Mask, Hell is full of Men still hunt-
ing for their Gas Masks.

3. Regard all Shell Holes with suspicion, and never use a Shell
Hole for a Latrine without you know your hole.

4. Inspect your Mask Morning, Noon and Night.

5. Sag Paste is issued as a Mustard Gas Burn Preventative and
not as a Beauty or Cootie Cream.

6. Your Satchel was made for your Gas Mask and not for a
Cold Storage Place for your reserve rations.

7. Safety First: When suspicious Shells fall in your vicinity
adjust your Mask first, investigate afterwards.

8. Use no Shell Crater Water for Drinking, Cooking or Wash-
ing Purposes.

9. Never linger around Shell Holes that smell of Garlic or
Onions, as it may be Mustard Gas, but report same to your
Battalion Gas Officer.

1 0. When Gas Alarm sounds either by gong or mouth, keep
cool, hold your breath, adjust your Mask, and carry on:
do not fear gas but respect it, D. S. C.'s are not won by
eating gas: the paths made by Blue Cross, Green Cross or
Yellow Cross lead but to the Wooden Cross.

106

Honor Men and General Orders

And now Gentle Reader, you who have followed me in
this narrative of the exploits of the "8th" (370th), you will
ask, as I have asked, "What does it all amount to? What good
will come of it to a race of patriots, a noble, true and patient
people, a folk who have suffered the whips and scorn of time,
the proud man's contumely?"

Listen to a prophecy that you will see fulfilled:

By reason of this War this Race, of which we are proud
members, will occupy a larger and still larger place in the Sun.

Two hundred thousand of our sons, the flower of our Race,
have been trained in discipline and self-reliance.

They have lived and moved and had their being in the
country of freedom whose slogan, blazoned upon a million coin,
is — Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite — for a year and more these
Crusaders, the offspring of a Race that has never been accused
of sedition or lack of patriotism or cowardice under fire, or of
refusing to go forward, even though they knew that some one
had blundered and the execution of the Order meant death, for
a year these Crusaders of the Black Race had enjoyed freedom
and justice at the hand of an Aryan Race, for the first time in
their life they had been treated like men and the gentlemen that
they were. They enjoyed liberty and were judged not by the
color of their skin or texture of their hair, but by their real
worth. For a year, while they fought and suffered that other
men might be free and enjoy life and democracy, they resolved
that when they returned home that they would demand the
same rights of the Government that sent them five thousand
miles to fight in the interest of others.

Two hundred thousand men thus trained and inspired by
that which they enjoyed in France, these men inured to hard-
ship, unaccustomed to sleeping in a bed, trained to face death
in its most painful forms, are no longer afraid to die, nor too
cowardly to fight for that which is rightly theirs, Liberty and
Justice. No longer does he regard the man his friend who
in speaking to him fails to call him "Nigger," but he now de-
mands that his supposed-to-be friends go all the way and use
their influence in seeing to it that he occupies his rightful place
in the Sun. He asks no favors but demands justice. He seeks
not social equality but economic and industrial freedom; an
equal opportunity.

This much belongs to him, it has been dearly bought by
reason of his Patriotism, his sacrifice and loyalty, and he de-

107

Under Fire with the 370th Infantry, (8th I. N. G.), A. E. F.

mands it. He does not desire to be cuddled, flattered or treated
as a child, but like the red-blooded man that he is.

He thus, upon his return from Invaluable Service over there
stands before the Bar of Justice and demands a square deal.
Patiently he will plead and as patiently wait, ever hoping, trust-
ing and praying for his proper place in the sun, and for the
dawning of the day when Ethiopia will really stretch forth her
hand unto God and be free; failing to have a proper, just and
impartial hearing before the Bar of Justice these men who
placed their bodies upon their nation's altar for service or
slaughter, for democracy in Europe and the liberation of France
from Prussianism, will again leap forward as Volunteers, but
this time 'twill be to place their bodies upon their Race's Altar
for service or slaughter in a struggle against Bourbon Democracy
and they will ultimately overcome and occupy their place in the
sun or report to Jesus Christ the reason why.

So I finish and in so doing remind you that ere the men
who formed part of the A. E. F. have fallen asleep, they will see
America blossom forth in splendor and cover its vast domain

the much needed, expected and prayed for:
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Sbmbra — The Ship on Which the Chaplain of the
370th Returned From Over There

108

Honor Men and General Orders

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
Office of the Commander-in-Chief

To Departing Officers of the A. E. F.

After honorably serving your Country in a great war, you
are about to embark for the homeland. Remember that the
bearing of their officers is reflected in the behavior and dis-
cipline of the men you are commanding homeward bound. I
most sincerely trust that no single act may occur to stain the
splendid record won by our troops in Europe. My confidence
and best wishes follow you and them as you cross the sea and in.
your future service in the Army or elsewhere.

John J. Pershing.

University of California

SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY

405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388

Return this material to the library

from which it was borrowed.

U.C.S.D.

JUL 2 7 1997

0 9 199
CLEARED IU.

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